你来自哪里？

When to use

This question is frequently used in small talk after initial introductions, especially when meeting foreigners or people from different regions.

How it works

This is a common question structure for origin: Pronoun + Verb + Preposition + Question Word.

• 你 (nǐ): you (pronoun)
• 来 (lái): to come (verb)
• 自 (zì): from (preposition)
• 哪里 (nǎ lǐ): where (question word)

Grammar Focus

The combination 来自 (lái zì) functions as a compound verb meaning 'to come from'. The question word 哪里 follows this verb phrase directly, as Chinese does not invert word order for questions.

Pronunciation Note

In 你来自, 你 (nǐ) comes before second-tone 来 (lái), so it is normally a low half-third tone. In 哪里, two third tones meet, so 哪 is pronounced with a rising second tone in connected speech: ná lǐ, while the written pinyin remains nǎ lǐ.

Notes

A standard question to inquire about someone's place of origin, commonly used when meeting new people.