HSK 6 · VERSION 2.0#87
Rhetorical Question Patterns
反问句
How it works
A 反问句 (fǎnwènjù) is a rhetorical question that is not asked to seek information, but to strengthen emotion, logic, or attitude. The answer is usually obvious from the speaker’s point of view.
It is widely used in both spoken and written Chinese for emphasis.
Example sentences
事情已经发展到这个地步，难道我们还能假装什么都没有发生吗？
Things have already developed to this point; can we still pretend that nothing has happened?
如果连最基本的事实都不愿意面对，又谈什么真正解决问题呢？
If one is unwilling even to face the most basic facts, then what is there to talk about in terms of truly solving the problem?
一个连自己都说服不了的人，怎么可能真正说服别人？
How could a person who cannot even convince himself truly convince others?
Key point
Rhetorical questions make the speaker’s position stronger and more forceful than a plain statement.