particle HSK 1
(question particle) · (continuation particle) · what about...?
Meaning
呢 is a versatile sentence-final particle with two main functions. First, it forms questions, especially when asking about location or the status of something already mentioned in context. Second, it indicates continuation or an ongoing state, often appearing with 在 or 正在 to emphasize that an action is in progress.
Usage
Native speakers use 呢 constantly in casual conversation. In questions, it often follows a noun or pronoun to ask 'what about X?' or 'where is X?'. When showing continuation, it softens statements and makes them sound more natural and colloquial. It's one of the first particles learners encounter.
Examples
- 01你呢？?What about you?
- 02我正在看书呢。.I'm reading right now.
Common collocations
- 在...呢...in the process of doing...
- ...呢？... ?what about...? / where is...?
- 正在...呢...right in the middle of doing...