HSK 4
难道
nándào
could it be that
Structure
Subject + 难道 + [Verb Phrase] + (吗)? / 难道 + Subject + [Verb Phrase] + (吗)?
How it works
The word '难道' is used to emphasize a rhetorical question, often expressing surprise, disbelief, or an attempt to confirm something that seems obvious. It is typically used to challenge the listener's logic or current situation. It is often paired with '吗' at the end of the sentence, though '吗' is sometimes omitted.
Examples
难道你忘了今天有考试吗？
Nándào nǐ wàngle jīntiān yǒu kǎoshì ma?
Could it be that you forgot there's an exam today?
他没来上班，难道生病了？
Tā méi lái shàngbān, nándào shēngbìng le?
He didn't come to work; is it possible he is sick?
这件事难道你一点儿都不知道？
Zhè jiàn shì nándào nǐ yīdiǎnr dōu bù zhīdào?
Is it possible you don't know anything at all about this matter?
Common mistakes
Using '难道' in a standard information-seeking question where you genuinely don't know the answer. It must only be used when the speaker strongly suspects the answer or wants to show shock.
Tip
Think of '难道' as 'Don't tell me that...' or 'Is it possible that...'. If the sentence sounds natural with 'Don't tell me...', '难道' is likely the correct choice.
More HSK 4 grammar
See 难道 in real Chinese
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