A-not-A questions

Core idea

A-not-A questions build the yes/no choice directly into the predicate. Instead of adding a final particle, the sentence presents both sides of the possibility: the positive form and its negative counterpart.

This is one of the most neutral ways to ask a yes/no question in Mandarin. It works with verbs, adjective-like state verbs, and short everyday predicates.

Shape and answers

Because the contrast already marks the sentence as a question, do not add 吗. Treat A-not-A as its own question shape.

With two-syllable verbs, Mandarin often shortens the first copy. A full shape like "like-not-like" can become "li-not-like." This is especially common with familiar high-frequency verbs; the shortened shape is a rhythm habit, not a separate meaning.

For short answers, speakers often repeat the main verb or its negative form. You do not need an English-style “yes” or “no” word before every answer.

Compare with other yes/no questions

A-not-A is a direct choice built inside the predicate. 吗 is a final particle added to a complete statement. 是不是 often checks a guess. Keeping those jobs separate prevents most beginner question-pattern mixing.