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    Chinese Grammar

    Rhetorical questions with 不是 (bùshì)

    HSK 3
    Emphasis
    Questions

    Structure

    不是 + Statement + 吗？

    Explanation

    不是 can be placed before a statement to form a rhetorical question, implying the speaker already believes the answer is obvious. It functions similarly to "isn't it the case that…?" in English. The speaker uses it to seek confirmation or express mild surprise.

    Examples

    • 你不是答应过我了吗？怎么又反悔了？

      nǐ bú shì dāyìng guò wǒ le ma? zěnme yòu fǎnhuǐ le?

      Didn't you already promise me? How can you go back on your word again?

    • 这件事不是你自己说的吗？

      zhè jiàn shì bú shì nǐ zìjǐ shuō de ma?

      Isn't this something you said yourself?

    • 不是说好了今天一起吃饭吗？

      bú shì shuō hǎo le jīntiān yìqǐ chīfàn ma?

      Didn't we agree to have dinner together today?

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    Rhetorical questions with 不是 (bùshì) | Chinese Grammar