In 15 Seconds
- A versatile way to ask for someone's opinion or feedback.
- Softens suggestions to make them sound more collaborative and polite.
- Works in almost any social or professional setting with peers.
Meaning
This is the ultimate conversation starter. It is a friendly way to ask someone for their opinion or to check if they agree with what you just said.
Key Examples
3 of 6Deciding on dinner with a partner
我们今晚去吃川菜，你觉得呢？
We're having Sichuan food tonight, what do you think?
Discussing a project with a coworker
这个方案可能更省钱，你觉得呢？
This plan might save more money, what do you think?
Asking for a fashion opinion while shopping
这件衣服颜色有点太亮了，你觉得呢？
The color of this shirt is a bit too bright, what do you think?
Cultural Background
In Chinese social dynamics, directly stating a decision can sometimes feel too blunt. Using this phrase softens your stance and promotes 'mianzi' (face) by showing you respect the other person's input. It reflects the value of collectivism over individual ego.
The Magic of 'Ne'
The particle `呢` at the end makes the question sound much softer and more inquisitive. Without it, `你觉得？` sounds blunt and slightly aggressive.
Don't over-ask
If you use this after every single sentence, you might come across as indecisive. Use it when you actually want an answer!
In 15 Seconds
- A versatile way to ask for someone's opinion or feedback.
- Softens suggestions to make them sound more collaborative and polite.
- Works in almost any social or professional setting with peers.
What It Means
你觉得呢？ is your go-to tool for opening a dialogue. It translates directly to "What do you think?" or "How do you feel about it?" It is not just about facts. It is about inviting the other person into your headspace. It shows you value their perspective. It is the verbal equivalent of passing the ball in a game of catch.
How To Use It
Use it at the end of a statement to transform a monologue into a conversation. You can use it after suggesting a plan. For example: "Let's eat hot pot tonight, 你觉得呢？" It works perfectly in person or over text. It is short and punchy. You do not need to add anything else to make it work. Just drop it after your idea and wait for the response. It is the perfect way to avoid sounding bossy.
When To Use It
Use it when you are genuinely curious. Use it when you want to be polite. It is great for choosing a movie or deciding on a vacation spot. In a meeting, use it to gather feedback on a proposal. Use it when you want to show a friend you care about their feelings. It is also a great "filler" when you have run out of things to say but want to keep the chat going.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you are the boss giving a direct order. It can sound like you are unsure of yourself. Avoid it if the answer is obvious. For example, if it is raining, do not ask "It is raining, 你觉得呢？" unless you are being sarcastic. Also, do not use it with very high-ranking officials unless you have a close relationship. In those cases, use more formal versions like 您怎么看？ to show extra respect.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often emphasizes harmony and "saving face." Asking 你觉得呢？ is a classic way to practice this. It avoids being too assertive or aggressive. By asking for an opinion, you give the other person a chance to speak. This prevents you from looking like you are making all the decisions alone. It is a subtle way to build rapport and trust in any relationship.
Common Variations
If you want to be more formal, use 您怎么看？ (What is your view?). If you are with very close friends, you might just say 呢？ after a suggestion. You can also say 你认为呢？ which sounds a bit more serious and analytical. For a quick check-in, try 好吗？ (Okay?) or 行吗？ (Is it okay?). But for a general, all-purpose inquiry, nothing beats the classic 你觉得呢？
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and highly versatile. The key 'gotcha' is the tone; ensure the `呢` is light and rising to keep it sounding like a friendly invitation rather than a demand for an answer.
The Magic of 'Ne'
The particle `呢` at the end makes the question sound much softer and more inquisitive. Without it, `你觉得？` sounds blunt and slightly aggressive.
Don't over-ask
If you use this after every single sentence, you might come across as indecisive. Use it when you actually want an answer!
The 'Polite No'
In China, if someone asks `你觉得呢？` and you disagree, it's common to start with `我觉得吧...` (I feel that...) to soften your counter-opinion.
Examples
6我们今晚去吃川菜，你觉得呢？
We're having Sichuan food tonight, what do you think?
A soft way to suggest a plan without being demanding.
这个方案可能更省钱，你觉得呢？
This plan might save more money, what do you think?
Invites professional collaboration and feedback.
这件衣服颜色有点太亮了，你觉得呢？
The color of this shirt is a bit too bright, what do you think?
Seeking validation or a second opinion on a personal choice.
那部电影挺感人的，你觉得呢？
That movie was quite touching, what do you think?
A low-pressure way to keep a romantic conversation flowing.
你问我饿不饿？我都三天没吃饭了，你觉得呢？
You're asking if I'm hungry? I haven't eaten in three days, what do you think?
Used rhetorically to point out something obvious.
我觉得你今天不开心，你觉得呢？
I feel like you're unhappy today, what do you think?
A gentle way to open up an emotional discussion.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the suggestion.
我们明天去公园散步，___？
The speaker is proposing an activity and asking for the other person's opinion.
Which phrase makes this professional suggestion sound more polite?
这个报告需要重新写，___？
Adding 'What do you think?' makes the feedback feel like a discussion rather than a harsh command.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Range of 'What do you think?'
With close friends or family
你觉得呢？ (Ni juede ne?)
Standard daily interaction
你觉得呢？ (Ni juede ne?)
With superiors or elders
您怎么看？ (Nin zenme kan?)
Where to use 你觉得呢？
At a Restaurant
Ordering for the group
In the Office
Reviewing a design
Shopping
Trying on shoes
Dating
Choosing a date spot
Practice Bank
2 exercises我们明天去公园散步，___？
The speaker is proposing an activity and asking for the other person's opinion.
这个报告需要重新写，___？
Adding 'What do you think?' makes the feedback feel like a discussion rather than a harsh command.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it specifically asks for an opinion or thought. If you want to ask how someone feels physically or emotionally, use 你感觉怎么样？.
Yes, but if they are much older or very high-ranking, 您怎么看？ is safer. With a direct manager you're friendly with, 你觉得呢？ is fine.
觉得 is more casual and based on feelings. 认为 is more formal and implies a reasoned opinion or belief.
Absolutely! It's very common in WeChat chats to keep the conversation going.
You can start with 我觉得... (I think...) or simply say 好啊 (Sure) if you agree with their suggestion.
Yes! If someone asks a question with an obvious answer, you can say 你觉得呢？ with a smirk to mean 'Obviously!'
Technically no. It sounds incomplete. Always add the 呢 or a specific object to make it natural.
Not at all. It is a completely gender-neutral phrase used by everyone.
You would say 你觉得他怎么样？. Adding 怎么样 specifies you're asking about a person or thing.
Yes, it is standard Mandarin and understood everywhere, from Beijing to Singapore.
Related Phrases
你认为呢？
What is your opinion? (Slightly more formal)
您怎么看？
What is your view? (Formal/Respectful)
你意下如何？
What is your idea? (Very formal/Literary)
怎么样？
How about it? / How is it?
