呢 ne
“particle indicating that a previously asked question is to be applied to the preceding word ("What about ...?", "And ...?"); particle for inquiring about location ("Where is ...?"); particle signaling a pause, to emphasize the preceding words and allow the listener time to take them on board ("ok?", "are you with me?")”
modal particleHSK 1 · 2021 list level 1
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
呢 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 144: 呢 ne — Level 1; official annotation 1 (助). PDF page 83
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 呢
呢 is a sentence-final particle often used after a noun or pronoun to mean "What about ...?" or "And ...?". In this elliptical use no verb follows 呢 (我很好，你呢？), and it is different from the yes/no question particle 吗. It can also ask about location after a noun (我的书呢？).
例句Example sentences
- 我很好，你呢？wǒ hěn hǎo, nǐ ne?I'm fine, and you?
- 我喜欢茶，你呢？wǒ xǐ huan chá, nǐ ne?I like tea, what about you?
- 妈妈在家，爸爸呢？mā ma zài jiā, bà ba ne?Mom is at home, and Dad?
易混词Easily confused
呢vs吗
吗 makes a yes/no question (你是老师吗？); 呢 asks "what about ...?" and does not make a yes/no question.
义项All meanings
- ne: particle indicating that a previously asked question is to be applied to the preceding word ("What about ...?", "And ...?"); particle for inquiring about location ("Where is ...?"); particle signaling a pause, to emphasize the preceding words and allow the listener time to take them on board ("ok?", "are you with me?"); (at the end of a declarative sentence) particle indicating continuation of a state or action; particle indicating strong affirmation
- ní: woolen material