wèn
ask
The Chinese word for 'ask' is '问' (wèn). The contextual usage is similar to English. It can be used for questioning, inquiring or requesting for information. Some examples include '你可以问我问题' (You can ask me a question) or '我想问你一些事情' (I want to ask you some things).
Nǐ néng wèn wǒ wèntí ma?
Can you ask me a question?
This phrase can be used when you are giving someone permission to ask you a question.
Tā wèn tā de míngzì.
He asked her name.
This sentence states that a male individual inquired about a female individual's name.
Wǒ wèn le lǎoshī liǎng cì.
I asked the teacher twice.
None
Wǒ yào wèn nǐ yīgè wèntí.
I want to ask you a question.
The speaker is requesting to ask a question to the listener, indicating that they require information or are seeking advice.
Tā bùtíng de wèn wǒ.
He kept asking me.
This phrase expresses that the person referred to by 'he' consistently or repeatedly asked questions to the speaker.
Māmā wèn érzi zuòle shénme.
The mother asked her son what he did.
This statement is conveying that a mother was questioning her son about his activities or actions.
Nǐ wèn de wèntí hěn hǎo.
The question you asked is very good.
The sentence implies that the speaker is complimenting the listener on the quality or relevance of the question they have posed.
Wǒmen kěyǐ wèn lǎoshī.
We can ask the teacher.
This phrase suggests that anyone in the group including the speaker could ask the teacher, usually in search for answers or help.
Tā wèn wǒ xǐhuan gǒu háishì māo.
She asked me if I like dogs or cats.
The conversation depicts that the female individual asked the speaker whether they have a preference for dogs or cats.
Qǐng wèn nǐ de míngzì shì shénme?
May I ask what your name is?
This is a polite way to ask someone's name, often used in formal or business situations.