If you can make a simple statement in Mandarin, you can already make a yes/no question: add 吗 at the end. This workshop gives you three short, realistic role-plays to practise that move out loud. You will ask about readiness, preferences, and plans, then answer using the verb-repetition pattern. Each round adds a small complication so you are not just repeating one memorised line. Keep the source phrases nearby: 你好吗？(nǐ hǎo ma?), 你准备好了吗？(nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo le ma?), 你喜欢茶吗？(nǐ xǐhuan chá ma?), 是，我喜欢。(shì, wǒ xǐhuan.), and 不，我不喜欢。(bù, wǒ bù xǐhuan.).
Get the question shape into your mouth before you perform
Start by saying each source question slowly, then at normal speed. Notice that the word order never changes: 你准备好了 (nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo le) is a statement, and 你准备好了吗？(nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo le ma?) is the question. Do not add a separate word for 'do' or 'are'. When you answer, repeat the main verb. For 是 (shì) questions, answer 是 (shì) or 不是 (bù shì). For other verbs, repeat that verb, and negate it with 不 (bù) before the verb. Before each role-play, choose one question you will ask and one answer you will give. Say them aloud twice. This small rehearsal keeps the 吗 at the end from getting swallowed when you speak faster.
When the other person flips the question back to you
The harder turn in these conversations is not forming your own question; it is answering a question that comes back at you, especially when the expected answer is not a simple yes. If someone asks 你喜欢茶吗？(nǐ xǐhuan chá ma?) and you do not like tea, do not freeze or answer with a bare 不 (bù). Use 不，我不喜欢。(bù, wǒ bù xǐhuan.) and then, if you want to keep the conversation alive, ask a related question back. A useful move is to repeat the verb pattern you just heard. If the other person asks about tea, you can ask about another drink using the same 喜欢 (xǐhuan) structure. Keep your answer short first, then add one follow-up question. That gives you time to think without going silent.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
你好吗？
How are you? / Are you well?
nǐ hǎo ma?
你准备好了吗？
Are you ready?
nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo le ma?
你喜欢茶吗？
Do you like tea?
nǐ xǐhuan chá ma?
是，我喜欢。
Yes, I like it.
shì, wǒ xǐhuan.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
你好吗？
How are you?我很好，谢谢。你好吗？
I'm fine, thanks. How are you?我也很好。你喜欢茶吗？
I'm fine too. Do you like tea?喜欢。你呢？
Yes, I do. What about you?Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Checking readiness before leaving
You are at home with a friend. You are both getting ready to go out. You want to check whether your friend is ready before you put on your shoes. Your friend is still looking for a jacket.
Your task: Say aloud a yes/no question asking whether your friend is ready, using 你准备好了吗？(nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo le ma?). Then answer as your friend would: say you are not ready yet because you are looking for a jacket. Keep your answer to one short sentence and repeat the verb pattern from the question.
Tea or something else at a small café
You are at a small café with a classmate. The server has brought a menu. Your classmate asks whether you like tea. You actually prefer another drink, but you do not want to seem difficult.
Your task: Answer the question 你喜欢茶吗？(nǐ xǐhuan chá ma?) honestly. If you do not like tea, say 不，我不喜欢。(bù, wǒ bù xǐhuan.) and then ask a yes/no question about another drink using the same 喜欢 (xǐhuan) pattern. If you do like tea, say 喜欢 (xǐhuan) and ask whether your classmate also likes tea.
Making a simple plan with a new acquaintance
You meet a new colleague at a language exchange event. You have talked for a few minutes. You want to find out whether they are a student, whether they are busy this weekend, and whether they like tea. You are not sure how much they want to share.
Your task: Ask three yes/no questions in a row: whether they are a student, whether they are busy, and whether they like tea. Use 吗 at the end of each question. After each answer, respond with one short sentence that repeats the verb from their answer. Then ask the next question.
Common questions
Do I need to change the word order when I add 吗 to a statement?
No. The source lesson shows that 你准备好了 (nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo le) becomes 你准备好了吗？(nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo le ma?) with 吗 simply added at the end. Keep the same order and do not add a separate word for 'do' or 'are'.
How do I answer a 吗 question naturally without just saying yes or no?
Repeat the main verb. For 你喜欢茶吗？(nǐ xǐhuan chá ma?), answer 喜欢 (xǐhuan) or 不喜欢 (bù xǐhuan). For 是 (shì) questions, answer 是 (shì) or 不是 (bù shì).
Sources and further reading
- chinese: asking yes no questionsChecked September 2026
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