COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
How 吗 is built
Traditional etymology note: 口 (mouth) suggests the meaning, while 马 suggests the pronunciation.
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How to Write 吗 (ma) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
(coll.) what?
maNeutral toneSay it lightly and briefly.
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STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 6 strokes in the correct order.
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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
ma
吗
(coll.) what?
Common words
ma
吗
(question particle for "yes-no" questions)
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
吗
吗
吗
吗
吗
吗
吗
吗
LEARNING TIP
Remember 吗
Say “ma” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 6 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
Practice on CanvasWORDS WITH 吗
Common words and phrases
ma
(question particle for "yes-no" questions)
IN CONTEXT
Example sentences
这个字是“吗”。
Zhège zì shì “ma”.
This character is “吗”.
我正在学习“吗”字。
Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí “ma” zì.
I am learning the character “吗”.
请写一遍“吗”。
Qǐng xiě yí biàn “ma”.
Please write “吗” once.
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 吗?
吗 is written with 6 strokes.
What does 吗 (ma) mean?
吗 (ma) means (coll.) what?.
What is the radical of 吗?
The radical of 吗 is 口, associated with Not yet classified.