si3 man6試問试问
Jyutpingsi3 man6
Yalesi mahn
Definition
Used at the beginning of a question to introduce a rhetorical question or express skepticism.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Functions as an intensifier at the start of a rhetorical question to highlight the absurdity or impossibility of a situation. It carries a slightly formal or dramatic tone, often used in arguments or persuasive speech to force the listener to consider the obvious answer. Unlike its literal meaning, it is never used to suggest actually asking someone for an opinion.
Examples
In this world, who would actually believe you?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal request to 'try asking' someone, but it is strictly a rhetorical device. Using it in a casual, non-rhetorical question will sound unnatural and overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
