How to form rhetorical questions in Chinese with 不是……吗？
不 (bù) 是 (shì)…… 吗 (ma)？
Simple rhetorical questions
不 (bù) 是 (shì)…… 吗 (ma)？
HSK 2Question FormsSimple rhetorical questions
Rule structure
The structure 不是 (bù shì)…吗 (ma) forms a rhetorical question with an expected affirmative answer. It is used to emphasize an obvious point, remind the listener of a fact, or gently express disagreement.
Rule structure
The structure 不是 (bù shì)…吗 (ma) forms a rhetorical question with an expected affirmative answer. It is used to emphasize an obvious point, remind the listener of a fact, or gently express disagreement.
Examples
不是很好吗？
Bù shì hěn hǎo ma?
Isn't it very good?
Examples
不是很好吗？
Bù shì hěn hǎo ma?
Isn't it very good?
Build the sentence
Drag the characters to put them in the correct order
Frequently asked questions
How do you express “Simple rhetorical questions” in Chinese?
Use the structure: 不 (bù) 是 (shì)…… 吗 (ma)？. For example: 不是很好吗？ — “Isn't it very good?”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
不是很好吗？ — “Isn't it very good?”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.
Tomyo
Learn Chinese grammar with smart reviews
Grammar explanations, exercises and spaced repetition — all in one app.
More HSK 2 grammar rules
Asking why with "怎么 (zěnme)"
怎么 (zěnme)⋯⋯？
Tag questions with "不 (bù)"
⋯⋯是不是 (shì bu shì) / 对不对 (duì bu duì) / 好不好 (hǎo bu hǎo)?
Affirmative-negative question
Verb + 不 (bù) + Verb / Adj. + 不 (bù) + Adj.
Tag questions with "吗 (ma)"
⋯⋯是 (shì)吗 (ma) / 对 (duì)吗 (ma) / 好 (hǎo)吗 (ma)?
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)⋯⋯
Verbing briefly with "一下 (yíxià)"
Verb + 一下 (yíxià)