The Rhetorical Question "不是。。吗" (bùshì...ma)

In Mandarin Chinese, the rhetorical question "不是。。吗" (bùshì...ma) is used to express surprise, confirmation, or affirmation.

Usage:

• Structure: The structure of this rhetorical question typically involves stating a fact or assumption followed by "吗" (ma), which turns it into a question expecting confirmation or affirmation.
  • Subject + 不是 + Fact + 吗
• Surprise: "不是。。吗" (bùshì...ma) is often used to express surprise or disbelief, expecting confirmation from the listener.
  • 你不是去过上海吗？(Nǐ bùshì qùguò Shànghǎi ma?) - Haven't you been to Shanghai before?
• Confirmation: It can also be used to seek confirmation or affirmation of a fact.
  • 今天不是星期三吗？(Jīntiān bùshì xīngqīsān ma?) - Isn't today Wednesday?

Examples:

• 你不是要去参加会议吗？(Nǐ bùshì yào qù cānjiā huìyì ma?) - Aren't you going to attend the meeting?
• 这个东西不是很贵吗？(Zhège dōngxi bùshì hěn guì ma?) - Isn't this thing quite expensive?

Additional Notes:

• Context and intonation play important roles in conveying the intended meaning of "不是。。吗" (bùshì...ma) in conversation.
• It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.