aa1呀
Definition
Sentence-final particle used to turn a statement into a question to ask for confirmation.
How it's used
Adding this particle to the end of a sentence turns a statement into a question, functioning similarly to a tag question in English. It softens the tone significantly, making the inquiry sound more like a casual check-in rather than an interrogation. When used with a rising intonation, it signals that the speaker is seeking confirmation or clarification about a situation they are already partially aware of.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin particle 嗎, but they are not interchangeable. While 嗎 is a neutral question marker, this particle carries a specific nuance of seeking confirmation or expressing surprise, and it cannot be used in all types of questions.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
