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    Chinese Grammar

    Rhetorical questions with 不是么 (bùshìme)

    HSK 3
    Emphasis
    Questions

    Structure

    Statement + 不是么？

    Explanation

    不是么 is placed at the end of a statement to turn it into a rhetorical question, similar to a tag question like "isn't that so?" It signals that the speaker considers the point obvious or already agreed upon. It carries a softer, more conversational tone than a direct challenge.

    Examples

    • 大家都觉得他做得对，不是么？

      dàjiā dōu juéde tā zuò de duì, bú shì me?

      Everyone thinks he did the right thing, don't they?

    • 这道菜味道还不错，不是么？

      zhè dào cài wèidào hái búcuò, bú shì me?

      This dish tastes pretty good, doesn't it?

    • 生活本来就是这样的，不是么？

      Shēnghuó běnlái jiù shì zhèyàng de, bú shì me?

      Life is just like this, isn't it?

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