Processing keyword: 谁 (shéi) - Who

Mandarin Grammar Point: 谁 (shéi) - Who

谁 (shéi) - Who

1. Introduction

In Mandarin Chinese, "谁" (shéi) means "who." It is a pronoun that is used to ask questions about people. This grammar point is fundamental for learners to engage in basic conversations and inquiries.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

"谁" (shéi) is used to ask for the identity of a person. It can function in simple sentences as well as in more complex structures.

Structure

• Basic Sentence Structure:

  • Question Word + Sentence

  Example:

  谁在那儿？ 
  (Shéi zài nà er?)
  Who is there?
  

Formation Diagram

   何
   +------------------+
   |                  |
   |                  |
   V                  V
谁 (shéi) ---> Function: Interrogative pronoun

Meaning

• "谁" can be translated as "who" in English.
• It specifically refers to a person or people.

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Pronouns:
  • "什么" (shénme - what) asks for things or objects.
  • "哪" (nǎ - which) is used when selecting amongst options. Difference:
• "谁" is exclusively for asking about people, whereas "什么" refers to things, and "哪" refers to choices.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

• Formal:
  • 谁是这位先生？
  • (Shéi shì zhè wèi xiānsheng?)
  • Who is this gentleman?
• Informal:
  • 你知道谁来了吗？
  • (Nǐ zhīdào shéi lái le ma?)
  • Do you know who came?
• Written:
  • 我想知道是谁在打电话。
  • (Wǒ xiǎng zhīdào shì shéi zài dǎ diànhuà.)
  • I want to know who is making the phone call.
• Spoken:
  • 这些人是谁？
  • (Zhèxiē rén shì shéi?)
  • Who are these people?

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of "谁" in Mandarin often reflects levels of politeness. In formal settings, it’s common to refer to someone using their title or role (老师 - lǎoshī for teacher, 先生 - xiānsheng for mister) before asking "谁".

Idiomatic Expressions

• 谁知道？
• (Shéi zhīdào?)
• Who knows?

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Learners might confuse "谁" with "什么." Remember:
  • "谁" is exclusively for people.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • S in "shéi" can be associated with Social for Someone.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• "谁" (shéi) means "who."
• It is used to ask questions about identity.
• It functions well in both informal and formal contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does "谁" mean?
   • A) What
   • B) Who
   • C) Where
   • Answer: B) Who
2. In the sentence "谁是老师？" what is being asked?
   • A) Who is the teacher?
   • B) What is the teacher?
   • C) Where is the teacher?
   • Answer: A) Who is the teacher?