Definition
是否 (shì fǒu) is a formal adverb used to embed a yes/no question in a clause, meaning 'whether (or not); if'. It differs from 不管 (bù guǎn), which means 'no matter (whether...or...)' and introduces a universal condition that doesn't change the result: 是否 simply asks about a fact, while 不管 dismisses the alternatives.
adverb
whether (or not)if
Examples
- 是否?Nǐ shì fǒu zhīdào dá'àn?Do you know the answer?
- 是否。Qǐng gàosu wǒ nǐ shì fǒu tóngyì.Please tell me whether you agree.
- 是否,。Tā shì fǒu néng wánchéng, wǒmen hái bù quèdìng.We're still not sure if he can finish.
Grammar
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