How to use 呢 (ne) to ask “what about…?” in Chinese
⋯⋯呢 (ne)?
Modal particle "呢 (ne)"
⋯⋯呢 (ne)?
HSK 2ParticlesModal particle "呢 (ne)"
Rule structure
呢 (ne) at the end of a sentence helps keep the topic active, ask a follow-up question, or soften the tone. It often shows that the speaker expects a response or continuation.
Rule structure
呢 (ne) at the end of a sentence helps keep the topic active, ask a follow-up question, or soften the tone. It often shows that the speaker expects a response or continuation.
Examples
你在做什么呢？
Nǐ zài zuò shénme ne?
What are you doing?
Examples
你在做什么呢？
Nǐ zài zuò shénme ne?
What are you doing?
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Frequently asked questions
How do you express “Modal particle "呢 (ne)"” in Chinese?
Use the structure: ⋯⋯呢 (ne)?. For example: 你在做什么呢？ — “What are you doing?”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
你在做什么呢？ — “What are you doing?”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.
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More HSK 2 grammar rules
Aspect particle "着 (zhe)"
Verb + 着 (zhe)
Expressing "already" with just "了 (le)"
Subj. + Verb Phrase + 了 (le)
Using "过 (guò)" with "了 (le)"
Verb + 过 (guo) + 了 (le)
Conceding with "吧 (ba)"
⋯⋯吧 (ba)
Expressing experiences with "过 (guò)"
Verb + 过 (guo)
Superlative "最 (zuì)"
最 (zuì) + Adj. (+ 了 (le))
Direction with "到 (dào) + place + 去 (qù)"
到 (dào) + Place + 去 (qù)
Expressing "although" with "虽然 (suīrán)" and "但是 (dànshì)"
虽然 (suīrán)⋯⋯，但是 (dànshì) / 可是 (kěshì)⋯⋯