HSK 3
能……吗？
néng…… ma？
how can you…?
Structure
Condition/Fact + (Subject) + 能 + Verb Phrase + 吗？
How it works
This rhetorical question structure is used to express disbelief, dissatisfaction, or to emphasize a point by questioning its possibility. Instead of seeking a simple 'yes' or 'no', the speaker is highlighting that something is impossible or unlikely given the current situation.
Examples
你每天三点才睡，身体能好吗？
Nǐ měitiān sāndiǎn cái shuì, shēntǐ néng hǎo ma?
You don't go to sleep until 3 AM every day, how can your health be good?
你不去上课，能通过考试吗？
Nǐ bú qù shàngkè, néng tōngguò kǎoshì ma?
You don't go to class, how can you pass the exam?
这么贵的东西，我能不生气吗？
Zhème guì de dōngxi, wǒ néng bù shēngqì ma?
Such an expensive thing, how can I not be angry?
Common mistakes
Don't use this structure for polite requests; it often carries a tone of sarcasm or strong criticism.
Tip
Think of this as the Chinese version of 'How is it possible that...?' or 'How can...?'. If the question is positive (能...吗?), the implied meaning is negative (不能).
More HSK 3 grammar
See 能……吗？ in real Chinese
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