HSK 2
N 不是……吗？
N bùshì…… ma？
is N not…
Structure
Subject + 不是 + [Noun/Adjective/Verb Phrase] + 吗？
How it works
This grammar pattern is used to form rhetorical questions to express surprise or to seek confirmation for something the speaker already believes to be true. It is often translated as 'Isn't it...?' or 'Aren't you...?' and emphasizes the speaker's expectation.
Examples
你不是医生吗？
Nǐ bùshì yīshēng ma?
Aren't you a doctor?
现在不是八点吗？
Xiànzài bùshì bā diǎn ma?
Isn't it eight o'clock now?
他不是你的哥哥吗？
Tā bùshì nǐ de gēge ma?
Isn't he your older brother?
Common mistakes
Students often forget that this is a rhetorical question and answer based on the negative form, rather than the facts. If the statement is true, answer with '对' or '是'.
Tip
Think of this as a way to say 'I thought that...'. Use it when you are slightly surprised that the reality seems different from your assumption.
More HSK 2 grammar
See N 不是……吗？ in real Chinese
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