Dictionary🇨🇳 Chinese → 🇺🇸 English
呢
ne, ní
Description
“呢”是一个很常用的语气词，常常放在问题的最后。
"呢" is a very common modal particle, often placed at the end of a question.
比如别人问你“你好吗”，你可以问回去：“你呢？”
For example, if someone asks you "你好吗", you can reply by asking, "你呢?"
Meanings
呢ne
particle for return questions: and? what about?
我很好，你呢？
I'm fine, and you?
呢ne
particle marking an ongoing action or state
他正在睡觉呢。
He is sleeping.
呢ne
particle softening a question or statement
我们去哪里吃饭呢？
Where shall we go to eat?
Related words
Notes
- Nuance
呢 softens questions and adds a curious, casual tone, unlike the yes/no marker 吗.
- Etymology
originally read ní (as in 呢绒, woolen cloth); the particle use is unrelated in meaning.
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