岂不是 (wouldn't that be)

• Pinyin: qǐbùshì
• Formation: 岂不是 + Rhetorical Conclusion + (吗)？
• Hanzi breakdown: 岂 = 山 (mountain) + 己 (self); 是 = 日 (sun) + 正 (correct)

Meaning

The pattern 岂不是 is used to form rhetorical questions where the speaker implies the answer is obviously affirmative. It expresses 'wouldn't that be' or 'isn't that tantamount to,' highlighting an obvious consequence or conclusion.

岂不是 introduces a rhetorical question where the speaker implies that the answer is obviously affirmative — it is equivalent to 'wouldn't that be' or 'isn't that tantamount to.' The pattern typically highlights an undesirable consequence to persuade the listener or emphasize a point. It is more literary and emphatic than 不就是 or 那不是, which serve similar functions in casual speech. 岂不是 can end with or without 吗 — with 吗 it feels more explicitly questioning, while without it the sentence reads as a rhetorical statement. It is common in persuasive writing, debate, and emphatic spoken arguments.

Examples

1. 如果人人都不遵守规则，岂不是乱套了吗？ If nobody followed the rules, wouldn't that be total chaos?
2. 你这样做岂不是白白浪费了之前的努力？ If you do it this way, wouldn't you be wasting all your previous effort for nothing?
3. 不跟客户确认就发货，岂不是自找麻烦？ Shipping without confirming with the client first — wouldn't that be asking for trouble?

Usage Guide

Context: written, debate, persuasive

Tone: rhetorical

Do Say

• 连这种基本常识都不知道，岂不是让人笑话？
• 不考虑后果就行动，岂不是太草率了？
• 把秘密告诉他，岂不是等于公开了？

Don't Say

• 岂不是今天天气很好吗？(岂不是 is used for rhetorical questions implying an obvious consequence — it cannot be used to remark on neutral observations like weather) → 今天天气真好啊！
• 岂不是他没来。(岂不是 must form a rhetorical question, often ending with 吗 — it cannot be used as a simple declarative statement) → 他好像没来。

Origin & History

岂 is a classical interrogative adverb meaning 'how could' or 'could it be that,' used to form rhetorical questions. Combined with 不是, 岂不是 creates a strong rhetorical structure meaning 'wouldn't that be,' implying the answer is obvious. It has been used in Chinese literature for centuries.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated