2

What is an appropriate verb for asking native speakers which writing system(s) they are familiar with?

I have presented the following questions to natives before, all without issues pertaining to clarity. However, I would like to know whether any sound "off" and what instead would be a standard way to ask such an inquiry.

汉语拼音吗?

知道汉语拼音吗?

认识拼音吗?

汉语拼音码?

看的懂拼音码?

了哪个写作系统?

1 Answer 1

2

The clearest way I could ask, as a native speaker, is

你都是用什么输入法来打字的?

输入法 refers to “input system”, and “打字” means type.

4
  • And with my questions above - do any sound funny/unnatural to you? Apr 22, 2020 at 0:25
  • 1
    @MuchAppreciated25 知道、认识、懂 sound the weirdest. In English, you wouldn’t say something like “do you know the alphabet?” The others are ok, but it would be best to ask the person about the 输入法 they use.
    – Axel Tong
    Apr 22, 2020 at 0:31
  • Sorry another point of clarification: in your original answer, you utilize the 是。。。的 construction to emphasize the detail of exactly which 输入法 the listener uses -- correct? Apr 22, 2020 at 21:28
  • 1
    @MuchAppreciated25 I would say it does, but I am not a language teacher, and have not looked into this in detail. It’s more like an instinctive touch-up to the sentence.
    – Axel Tong
    Apr 22, 2020 at 23:55

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.