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Expressing "is or is not" with 是否 ("shi4fou3")

是否 shìfǒu

Particle
HSK 5

Structure

是否 + Verb / Adj.

Definition

用于构成选择疑问句，表示“是还是不是”，常用于正式或书面语。

Used to form alternative questions, meaning 'whether or not', often in formal or written language.

Usage

“是否”通常用于动词或形容词前，构成问句或从句，表示对某种情况的是非选择。在口语中常用“是不是”代替。

Whether is usually placed before a verb or adjective to form a question or clause, indicating a choice of yes or no about a situation. In spoken Chinese, '是不是' is more common.

Examples

  • 1 你是否愿意参加这次会议？(Are you willing to attend this meeting?)
  • 2 请确认一下他是否已经出发。(Please confirm whether he has already departed.)
  • 3 无论你是否同意，我们都会按时完成计划。(Whether you agree or not, we will complete the plan on time.)
  • 4 我不确定这个方法是否有效。(I'm not sure whether this method is effective.)
  • 5 请问您是否已经收到我的邮件？(May I ask if you have received my email?)

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