Definition
嘛 (ma) is a modal particle that marks a statement as obvious or self-evident, often used in explanations or gentle suggestions. It adds a tone of 'of course' or 'you see' and makes the statement sound natural and reassuring.
particle
(modal particle) marks a statement as obvious or self-evidentused in explanations and gentle suggestions
Easily confused
- 磨mólook-aliketo grind; to rub; to polish; to sharpen
- 吗masound-alike(question particle) used to form yes-no questions
- 麻málook-alikenumb, tingling (from lack of circulation or spicy food)
- 马mǎsound-alikehorse
- 码mǎsound-alike(classifier) yard (unit of length)
- 码mǎsound-aliketo stack, to pile up
- 骂màsound-aliketo scold, to curse, to abuse
- 麻másound-alikehemp, flax (plant or fiber)
Examples
- 嘛，。Jīntiān shì Xīngqīyī ma, yào shàngbān.Today is Monday, so of course we have to go to work.
- 嘛。Nǐ juéde lèi jiù xiūxi ma.If you feel tired, just rest—you should know that's fine.
- 嘛，。Tā bù dǒng Zhōngwén ma, nǐ mànmàn shuō.He doesn't understand Chinese, you see, so speak slowly.
Grammar
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