The modal particle “吧” (2)

In Chinese, “吧” (ba) comes at the end of a question and expresses a guess, a supposition or a likelihood.

That is, the speaker does not know something for certain but thinks it is so, and expects the listener to confirm it.

It is usually rendered as: “…, right?” “…, I suppose?” “… probably?” “…, isn't it?”

Basic structure

Sentence + 吧？

Meaning: asking a question while stating a guess or supposition.

你(Nǐ)们(men)就(jiù)是(shì)她(tā)的(de)学(xué)生(sheng)吧(ba)？

You must be her students, right?

你们就是她的学生 + 吧？ you are her students + right?

你(nǐ)们(men)you (plural)

就(jiù)是(shì)exactly / to be

她(tā)的(de)学(xué)生(sheng)her students

吧(ba)supposition, seeking confirmation

她(Tā)唱(chàng)歌(gē)很(hěn)好(hǎo)听(tīng)吧(ba)？

She sings really beautifully, doesn't she?

她唱歌很好听 + 吧？ she sings very beautifully + doesn't she?

她(tā)she

唱(chàng)歌(gē)to sing

很(hěn)好(hǎo)听(tīng)sounds very nice / sings very beautifully

吧(ba)supposition or seeking confirmation

陈(Chén)天(Tiān)中(zhōng)是(shì)泰(Tài)国(guó)人(rén)吧(ba)？

Chen Tianzhong is Thai, I suppose?

陈天中是泰国人 + 吧？ Chen Tianzhong is Thai + I suppose?

陈(Chén)天(Tiān)中(zhōng)Chen Tianzhong

是(shì)to be

泰(Tài)国(guó)人(rén)Thai (person)

吧(ba)supposition / guess

Sentence + 吧？

Meaning: the speaker makes a guess and expects the listener to confirm it.