- 01 May, 2025
- 0 Comments
- 2 Mins Read
HSK 4 Grammar: Using 究竟 (jiūjìng) to Ask “Exactly” or “After All”
As you advance in Mandarin and prepare for the HSK 4 exam, learning to ask more precise and emotionally nuanced questions becomes essential. One such word that adds depth to your questions is 究竟 (jiūjìng) — meaning “exactly,” “after all,” or “in the end.”
In this blog, we’ll break down how to use 究竟 in questions and statements, with examples in Chinese, pinyin, and English.
What Does 究竟 Mean?
究竟 (jiūjìng) is an adverb used to:
- Emphasize a question when you really want to know something
- Express a sense of urgency, insistence, or curiosity
- Add emotional intensity to “why,” “who,” “what,” “where,” “which,” etc.
It translates as “exactly,” “after all,” “in the end,” or “actually”, depending on the context.
Structure:
究竟 + Question Word / Verb Phrase?
Translation: Exactly…? / What on earth…? / After all…?
You’ll often hear 究竟 in WH-questions, especially when the speaker is eager for clarity.
Examples and Explanation
- 究竟哪个季节去旅游比较好呢？
Pinyin: jiūjìng nǎge jìjié qù lǚyóu bǐjiào hǎo ne?
Translation: Which season exactly is better for travel?
Explanation: The speaker is seeking a precise answer about the best travel season. - 他究竟为什么辞职？
Pinyin: tā jiūjìng wèishénme cízhí?
Translation: Why exactly did he resign?
Explanation: This shows curiosity or doubt about the reason behind the resignation. - 你究竟想说什么？
Pinyin: nǐ jiūjìng xiǎng shuō shénme?
Translation: What exactly do you want to say?
Explanation: Often used when someone is being vague or unclear. - 我们究竟要不要搬家？
Pinyin: wǒmen jiūjìng yào bù yào bānjiā?
Translation: Are we moving or not, after all?
Explanation: The speaker is looking for a definite decision or answer.
When to Use 究竟
When you want a clear or final answer
To add intensity or emotion to a question
In both spoken and written Chinese, especially in formal discussions or debates
Not used in casual yes/no questions unless emphasizing confusion or frustration
Practice This Grammar!
Try this sentence:
“Who exactly told you that?”
Answer: 究竟是谁告诉你的？
Pinyin: jiūjìng shì shuí gàosù nǐ de?
Why Learn 究竟 for HSK 4?
Using 究竟 helps you sound more natural, assertive, and expressive in Mandarin. It adds emotional depth and clarity to your questions — especially useful in real-life conversations, debates, or storytelling.
Conclusion
究竟 (jiūjìng) is a powerful word to show curiosity, urgency, or demand for a clear answer. Mastering it will enrich your Mandarin expression and help you perform better on the HSK 4 exam and beyond.
Ready to sound more fluent and inquisitive in Chinese? Start adding 究竟 to your questions today!