HSK 2 · VERSION 2.0#60
Simple Rhetorical Questions
不是……吗
How it works
不是……吗 is often used to express something the speaker thinks is already known or obvious.
The pattern
不是 + Statement + 吗
Example sentences
他不是你的朋友吗？
Isn’t he your friend?
今天不是星期六吗？
Isn’t today Saturday?
你不是会说汉语吗？
Can’t you speak Chinese?
Usage note
This pattern often carries surprise, reminder, or confirmation.