Meaning
Asking to identify a person, often when someone knocks.
Cultural Background
Asking '{谁|shéi}啊' is standard for home security. It is expected behavior. Similar usage, though sometimes people might say '哪位？' (Which person?) as a slightly more polite alternative. In Cantonese, the equivalent is '邊個呀?' (bin1 go3 aa3?). Often mixed with English, 'Who is it?' is very common, but '{谁|shéi}啊' is understood by Mandarin speakers.
Tone matters
Keep your tone curious, not angry. A flat tone can sound like you are annoyed.
Meaning
Asking to identify a person, often when someone knocks.
Tone matters
Keep your tone curious, not angry. A flat tone can sound like you are annoyed.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase used when someone knocks.
Someone knocks. You say: 谁____?
The particle '啊' is the correct softener for this question.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesSomeone knocks. You say: 谁____?
The particle '啊' is the correct softener for this question.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsOnly if you say it with an angry tone. In a neutral tone, it is perfectly polite.
Related Phrases
哪位
similarWhich person?
你是谁
similarWho are you?
