faan2 man6反問反问
Jyutpingfaan2 man6
Yalefáan mahn
Definition
To ask a rhetorical question, or to ask a question back in response.
- to ask a rhetorical question
- to ask in reply; to ask a question back to the person who asked you
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Refers specifically to the act of answering a question with another question, often to challenge the original speaker or deflect. It is frequently used when someone feels interrogated and wants to shift the focus back to the other person. Unlike a simple question, it often carries a tone of annoyance or defensive irony.
Examples
He always likes to use rhetorical questions to express dissatisfaction.
Related words
Common phrases
to ask a rhetorical question
to ask someone back
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with simply asking a question. Remember that it specifically describes the reactive act of turning a question back on the asker, rather than just asking for information.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
