Definition
问 (wèn) is the general verb for 'to ask' — asking a question or inquiring about something. It is different from 叫 (jiào), which means 'to ask someone to do something' (e.g., 'tell/ask someone to come'). Use 问 when you want information; use 叫 when you want someone to take an action.
verb
to ask
Easily confused
- 间jiānlook-alike(classifier) for rooms, offices, and other enclosed spaces
- 吻wěnsound-alike(verb) to kiss
- 闪shǎnlook-aliketo dodge, to duck out of the way
- 文wénsound-alikewritten language; writing; script
- 闲xiánlook-alikefree (not busy), idle, unoccupied
- 稳wěnsound-alike(adjective) steady, stable, firm
- 闷mènlook-alike(adjective) bored, depressed, melancholy
- 们menlook-alike(suffix) plural marker for pronouns and nouns referring to people
- 闻wénlook-aliketo smell
Examples
- 问。Tā wèn wǒ yí gè wèntí.He asks me a question.
- 问。Wǒ wèn tā píngguǒ duōshǎo qián.I ask him how much the apple is.
- 问。Tā wèn lǎoshī jīntiān hǎo bù hǎo.He asks the teacher if today is fine.
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