你是来度假的吗？

When to use

This question is used in casual conversation, particularly when you suspect someone might be a tourist or traveler. It is a friendly way to initiate small talk about their trip.

How it works

This question uses a specific framing structure: Pronoun + Verb + Verb + Verb Phrase + Particle + Question Particle.

• 你 (nǐ): you (pronoun)
• 是 (shì): to be (verb)
• 来 (lái): to come (verb)
• 度假 (dù jià): to vacation (verb phrase)
• 的 (de): structural particle
• 吗 (ma): question particle

Grammar Focus

The 是...的 (shì... de) structure is used to emphasize the time, place, manner, or purpose of a past or ongoing action. Here, it emphasizes the purpose ('vacationing'). The particle 吗 (ma) turns the statement into a yes/no question.

Notes

A casual question to inquire about the purpose of someone's visit, utilizing the emphatic 'shi... de' construction.