For many learners of Chinese, one of the trickiest grammar points is how to use the particle “了”, especially when it appears in questions like “了吗” and “了没有”. Although both are used to ask whether an action has been completed or not, their usage, tone, and context differ more than you might expect.
Distinguishing 了吗 and 了没有 can be confusing for many Chinese learners. So how do you actually use them correctly without sounding awkward? In this article, we’ll explore their core differences, natural usage, practical examples, and tips to help you remember.
1. What is “了”? – A quick grammar refresher
In Mandarin, “了” is a unique grammatical particle. It generally serves two main purposes: to indicate the completion of an action, or to mark a change in state.
For example:
- 我吃了饭。→ I’ve eaten.
- 天气冷了。→ The weather has turned cold.
However, when we turn these into questions, especially to ask if something has already happened, there are two common patterns in Chinese: “了吗?” and “了没有?”
Both expressions mean something like “Have you… yet?” in English, but they carry slightly different connotations.
2. How to use “了吗?”
The structure with “了吗” is simple: place “了” after the verb, then add “吗” at the end to form a yes-no question.
For example:
- 你吃饭了吗？→ Have you eaten?
- 他下班了吗？→ Has he gotten off work?
- 你准备好了吗？→ Are you ready?
In these examples, “了吗” is used to ask whether an action has been completed. The tone is neutral, polite, and often used in casual conversation or as a friendly check-in.
In general, “了吗” works well in questions that are mild, non-pushy, or neutral in tone. It’s a safe and commonly used form in most everyday situations.
3. How to use “了没有?”
Unlike “了吗”, the pattern for “了没有” still puts “了” after the verb but replaces “吗” with “没有”, which literally means “not yet”.
For example:
- 你吃了没有？→ Have you eaten yet?
- 他走了没有？→ Has he left yet?
- 你把报告写了没有？→ Have you finished writing the report?
“了没有” also asks whether something has been done, just like “了吗”. However, the tone tends to be stronger, more direct, and sometimes carries a sense of urgency, insistence, or even frustration.
You’re more likely to hear “了没有” when someone is waiting for an action to be completed or checking on something they suspect hasn’t been done yet. It often appears in spoken language, especially in close relationships or casual settings.
4. Key differences between 了吗 and 了没有
Both “了吗” and “了没有” ask about past actions and are similar to “Have you… yet?” in English. The core difference lies in tone and intent.
When you ask someone “你吃饭了吗？”, it’s a polite, neutral inquiry — maybe even a warm check-in.
But if you ask “你吃了没有？”, it comes across as more assertive or urgent, as if you’re emphasizing the need for a reply or action.
Let’s say a teacher asks a student:
- “作业做了吗？” → A casual, friendly way to ask: “Did you do your homework?”
- “作业做了没有？” → Stronger, maybe implying: “Have you done it or not?!”
That’s the nuance. If you’re unsure which to use, stick with “了吗”. It’s safer, more neutral, and better suited for professional, formal, or first-time interactions.
5. How to respond to 了吗 and 了没有
The good news is, regardless of which structure is used, the way you respond remains the same.
If the action has been completed, you can say:
- 吃了。→ I’ve eaten.
- 他来了。→ He has arrived.
- 做完了。→ I’ve finished.
If the action has not been done, you can say:
- 还没吃。→ Not yet.
- 没有。→ No, not yet.
- 还没有做。→ I haven’t done it yet.
Tip: If you respond with just “没有”, make sure your tone sounds polite, especially if you’re talking to a teacher, elder, or stranger. The right intonation makes a huge difference in Mandarin.
6. A quick memory tip to distinguish them
Here’s a simple trick to help you remember the difference:
- “了吗?” is like a gentle check-in — think of it as a friendly “Have you…?”
- “了没有?” is like a firm reminder — more like “Tell me now: have you or haven’t you?!”
Imagine your mom asking:
- “吃饭了吗？” → Soft, kind, caring: “Have you eaten, honey?”
- “吃了没有？” → Slightly pushy: “Did you eat or not?!”
This small shift in tone makes a big difference in meaning.
7. When should you use which?
Use “了吗” when:
- You want to ask politely or softly.
- You’re in a formal or professional setting.
- You’re not close to the person.
- You’re casually checking in or making conversation.
Use “了没有” when:
- You’re talking to close friends or family.
- You’re following up or confirming something important.
- You suspect the action hasn’t been done.
- You’re feeling slightly impatient or emphasizing urgency.
8. Conclusion: Distinguishing 了吗 and 了没有 in Chinese?
Not really — as long as you understand the subtle tone and intent behind each phrase.
Both structures are grammatically correct, and both are used frequently. The choice between them is more about how you want to sound, and how close you are to the person you’re talking to.
If you’re new to Chinese, start by using “了吗”. It’s easy, flexible, and safe for almost every conversation. As you become more comfortable and confident, you’ll naturally begin to use “了没有” in more casual or emphatic situations.
Remember: learning a language is not just about grammar — it’s about connection, nuance, and culture. By mastering small details like this, your Chinese will not only be correct — it will feel truly natural.
If you’re serious about improving your Mandarin, distinguishing 了吗 and 了没有 will definitely help you ask questions more clearly and appropriately.