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.
Examples
你们就是她的学生吧？
你们nǐmenyou (plural)
就是jiù shìexactly / to be
她的学生tā de xuéshengher students
吧basupposition, seeking confirmation
她唱歌很好听吧？
她tāshe
唱歌chànggēto sing
很好听hěn hǎotīngsounds very nice / sings very beautifully
吧basupposition or seeking confirmation
陈天中是泰国人吧？
陈天中Chén TiānzhōngChen Tianzhong
是shìto be
泰国人Tàiguó rénThai (person)
吧basupposition / guess
Quick rule
Sentence + 吧？
Meaning: the speaker makes a guess and expects the listener to confirm it.