Affirmative-negative questions & alternative questions 正反问句和选择问句
"的" is one of the most commonly used words in Chinese. As a important function word, “的” has many different usages. In this lesson, you are going to learn the top three usages of the common and important function word “的”. In this lesson, you are going to learn how to use the word “的” to indicate possession, and how to use the phrases with “的” to indicate something or someone. In addition, “的” always used between attribute and centre word as a attributive sign.
本课要点的目录表TABLE OF CONTENT arrow
1. Affirmative-negative questions 正反问句
Affirmative-negative questions are formed by juxtaposing the affirmative form of an adjective or verb and its negative form. It can transform to a yes-no question which made of the interrogative particle “吗”.
Affirmative-negative questions vs yes-no questions
Structure
Examples
Two characters verbs and adjectives
When the verb or adjective has two characters, the second character in the affirmative part can be omitted.
Structure
Examples
When the main verb is “有(have)”
When the main verb of a sentence is “有(have)”, the negative form should be “没有（méi yǒu）”, instead of “不有”.
Examples
When asking about verbs in the past
When asking about verbs in the past, the negative form should be “没 + verb”, instead of “不 + verb”. or putting “有没有” in front of the verb.
Structure
Examples
When the questions has an adverb
When the questions has an adverb, cannot use affirmative-negative questions.
Examples
2. alternative questions选择问句
“还是”is a conjunction, used in a question to connect options.
Structure
Examples
Note
When there are three or more options, “还是” must be placed between the last two.
Examples
