岂 (qǐ) - An interrogative particle used in rhetorical questions, equivalent
岂 · qǐ
An interrogative particle used in rhetorical questions, equivalent to 'how can it be that.
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', 'is it possible that.
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', expressing surprise, doubt, or negation.
An interrogative particle used in rhetorical questions, equivalent
Usage highlights
how can it behow dare Iis it possiblehow could it beis it nothow can there be
Usage & contexts
Examples
- How can this be considered a small matter?(岂是小事?)
- How could I dare to forget your kindness?(岂敢忘恩?)
- Is this something an ordinary person can achieve?(岂是常人所能为?)
Collocations
- how can it be(岂是)
- how dare I(岂敢)
- is it possible(岂可)
- how could it be(岂能)
- is it not(岂不)
- how can there be(岂有)
Idioms
- How can it be that one's ambition is satisfied with just this?(岂有此理)
- How can one have the heart to...(岂忍心)
- Is this not...(岂非)
Cultural background
FAQ- Often used in classical Chinese and formal writing to form rhetorical questions.
- Frequently appears in literary works and historical texts to express strong emotion or emphasis.