HSK 4
究竟 Q
jiūjìng Q
Q exactly
Structure
Subject + 究竟 + Interrogative Word / A-not-A Structure ... ?
How it works
The word '究竟' is used in interrogative sentences to emphasize an inquiry, similar to 'exactly' or 'on earth' in English. It is often used to express a desire for a definitive answer when there is doubt or confusion. It can only be used in questions that contain interrogative pronouns (like who, what, where) or 'A-not-A' structures.
Examples
你究竟什么时候才能把作业写完？
Nǐ jiūjìng shénme shíhou cáinéng bǎ zuòyè xiě wán?
When exactly will you be able to finish your homework?
这个字究竟怎么读？
Zhège zì jiūjìng zěnme dú?
How on earth is this character pronounced?
你究竟去不去参加明天的会议？
Nǐ jiūjìng qù bú qù cānjiā míngtiān de huìyì?
Are you or are you not actually going to attend tomorrow's meeting?
Common mistakes
Do not use '究竟' in simple 'Yes/No' questions ending with '吗'. For example, '你究竟去吗？' is incorrect.
Tip
Think of '究竟' as a way to show you are losing your patience or are very curious for the final truth.
More HSK 4 grammar
See 究竟 Q in real Chinese
Import an article and tap any sentence using it. The explanation comes back about the sentence in front of you, not a textbook example.
Try InputDojo free