究竟(jiūjìng)
Exactly / After All (Emphasis in Questions)
Structure Pattern
Explanation
究竟 (jiūjìng) is used in questions to add emphasis, similar to "exactly" or "on earth" in English (e.g., "What exactly do you want?"). It shows that the speaker really wants to get to the bottom of something.
Usage Rules:
- It is typically placed before the verb or before the question word (什么, 哪儿, 谁, 怎么, etc.).
- It cannot be used in simple yes/no questions ending with 吗. It must be used in questions that require specific information.
- Synonym: 到底 (dàodǐ) is almost identical in meaning but slightly more colloquial.
Example Sentences
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Nǐ jiūjìng xiǎng qù nǎr?
Where exactly do you want to go?
Zhège jīqì jiūjìng shì zěnme gōngzuò de?
How exactly does this machine work?
Tāmen jiūjìng wèishénme chǎojià?
Why on earth are they arguing?
Nǐ jiūjìng tóngyì bù tóngyì?
Do you agree or not (tell me once and for all)?
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
你究竟喜欢吃苹果吗？
Correct Usage
你究竟喜欢吃什么水果？
究竟 cannot be used with simple 吗 questions. It requires an open-ended question word (什么, 哪儿) or an A-not-A question (同意不同意).
Master 究竟
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