How to Say ‘Really?’ in Simplified Chinese
是吗？
shì ma
[shir ma]
💬 Usage Tip: Although it looks like "Is it?", 是吗？ works as a mild reaction, like "Oh really?". It doesn't actually ask for confirmation.
Phrase Breakdown
是
shì
[shir]
to be
The verb “to be,” used to identify or describe a situation.
你是第一次来，所以我给你介绍一下。
Since it’s your first time here, I’ll introduce things to you.
吗
ma
[ma]
question particle
A sentence-final particle used to turn a statement into a yes-no question.
你是第一次来吗？这里的“吗”表示提问。
Is this your first time here? Here, 吗 marks a question.
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