Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to tone of voice with 语气 (yǔqì)

    Description & Modification
    Manner & Method

    Structure

    Subject + 的 + 语气 + Adjective

    Explanation

    语气 (yǔqì) means "tone of voice" or "manner of speaking," describing the attitude or emotion conveyed through how something is said. It is often modified by adjectives. For example, 他的语气十分严肃 means "his tone was very serious."

    Examples

    • 他说话的语气听起来很不耐烦。

      tā shuōhuà de yǔqì tīng qǐlái hěn bù nàifán.

      The tone of his voice sounded very impatient.

    • 你能不能换一种语气跟我说话？

      nǐ néng bù néng huàn yī zhǒng yǔqì gēn wǒ shuōhuà?

      Could you talk to me in a different tone?

    • 她用温柔的语气哄孩子睡觉。

      tā yòng wēnróu de yǔqì hǒng háizi shuìjiào.

      She coaxed the child to sleep in a gentle tone.

    Referring to tone of voice with 语气 (yǔqì) | Chinese Grammar