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    Chinese Grammar

    Asking a 'which' question with 哪 (nǎ)

    Questions

    Structure

    哪 + Measure Word + Noun

    Explanation

    哪 (nǎ) is a question word meaning "which" or "what." It is placed before a measure word and noun to ask someone to identify or select from a group, as in 哪个 (nǎ ge, "which one"). It can also mean "where" when used as 哪里 or 哪儿.

    Examples

    • 你想去哪个餐厅吃饭？

      Nǐ xiǎng qù nǎge cāntīng chīfàn?

      Which restaurant do you want to go to for dinner?

    • 这些颜色你喜欢哪个？

      Zhèxiē yánsè nǐ xǐhuān nǎge?

      Which of these colors do you like?

    • 你是哪年来中国的？

      Nǐ shì nǎ nián lái Zhōngguó de?

      What year did you come to China?

    Often Confused With