How to Say ‘Are you a foreigner?’ in Traditional Chinese
你是外國人嗎？
nǐ shì wài guó rén ma
[nǐ shir wàiguórén ma]
💬 Usage Tip: Put 嗎 (ma) at the end of a plain statement to turn it into a yes/no question: 你是學生 → 你是學生嗎？ "Are you a student?"
🇹🇼 In Taiwan: Taiwanese people often ask this out of friendly curiosity, not to exclude you — it's frequently an icebreaker.
Phrase Breakdown
你是
nǐ shì
are you
你 means 'you'. 是 means 'to be'.
你是老師嗎？
Are you a teacher?
Words in this phrase
你
nǐ
[nǐ]
you
Refers to the person being spoken to.
你今天看起來很高興。
You look happy today.
是
shì
[shir]
to be; am/is/are
是 is the verb 'to be' used for identity, emphasis, or agreement.
我也是剛畢業的新鮮人。
I am also a recent graduate.
外國人嗎？
wài guó rén ma
a foreigner?
外國 means 'foreign country'. 人 means 'person'. 嗎 makes it a question.
他是外國人嗎？
Is he a foreigner?
Words in this phrase
外國人
wài guó rén
[wàiguórén]
foreigner
A person from another country; a non-local.
他是外國人。
He is a foreigner.
嗎
ma
[ma]
question particle
A sentence-final particle used to turn a statement into a yes-no question.
你喜歡這個活動嗎？
Do you like this event?
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Spent three months in Taiwan and this app was my lifeline. The tonal practice with real situations helped me sound less like a textbook and more like a person.”
Laura H., 28, Photographer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager
“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”
Alex M., 42, Software Engineer