"你是中国人吗?"
Translation:Are you Chinese?
26 CommentsThis discussion is locked.
"You are Chinese?" is a legitimate English question, so English speakers may try it because they are trying to translate literally, but it is the wrong question, because it assumes that you have told me already that you are but either I am checking if I heard you correctly or I am surprised that you are Chinese. So, since the Chinese question is actually asking if you are and not verifying that you are, we must use the regular English question "Are you Chinese?"
"Are you Chinese?" seems like the same as asking, "aren't you Chinese", but it's not. It may seem like a small thing, but this is good to know.
These questions should be different situationally, and depending on context. The 2nd form implies that you've assumed they are Chinese. "Are you a man?", "Aren't you a man??". Think about the difference.
The pronunciation on Duolingo is sometimes very lackluster, especially the woman in the later lessons. Idk if it's because both speakers are from different areas, so different dialect? But I am constantly checking on other websites to make sure I'm getting the most accurate sound. Be careful and make sure to study teachers on youtube as well.
513
This is wrong! "Are you Chinese?" Should be "你是华人吗?". 中国人 is specific to someone from China.
1133
My answer :"you are Chinese right?' was rejected and the right answer is:"Are you Chinese?" Another inconsistency here, some time "吗" is translated to be "right", some other times just being omitted like this exercise. Which is which please.