ma HSK 6

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

别担心,事情会解决的嘛。
Bié dānxīn, shìqíng huì jiějué de ma.
Don't worry, things will be resolved, you know.
他是专家,当然懂这个嘛。
Tā shì zhuānjiā, dāngrán dǒng zhège ma.
He's an expert, so of course he understands this, right?
快点儿嘛,我们要迟到了。
Kuài diǎn er ma, wǒmen yào chídàole.
Hurry up, we're going to be late, come on.
别急嘛。
Bié jí ma.
Don't rush, okay?
他很好嘛。
Tā hěn hǎo ma.
He is good, obviously.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 嘛 as saying "as you know" or "obviously" at the end of a sentence. Remember it by its friendly, persuasive vibe—like nudging someone with a smile to agree with something obvious.

📝 Usage Notes

It is primarily used in informal, spoken Chinese and in casual writing (like dialogues). Common in persuasive contexts, explanations, or when giving reasons, it helps to soften requests or statements, making them sound more friendly or less demanding. Not used in formal writing.

📖 Grammar Points

Typically placed at the end of a sentence. Often used in structures like "Subject + Verb + Object + 嘛" to emphasize the reason or obviousness, e.g., "这是事实嘛" (This is a fact, obviously). Can follow statements or reasons in conversational exchanges.

🏯 Cultural Notes

Reflects a conversational style that values harmony and indirect persuasion in Chinese communication. Using 嘛 can make requests sound less abrupt, aligning with cultural preferences for softening directives and appealing to mutual understanding.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 吗 (ma, question particle), 嘛 is not for questions but for obvious statements. Unlike 啊 (a, exclamation), 嘛 specifically implies obviousness or persuasion. It is closer to 呀 (ya) in softening tone but more focused on stating the obvious.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn in CILI →

Related Words