question pronoun HSK 2
which ones · which · what (plural)
Meaning
哪些 is a question word used to ask about multiple items or people from a group. It combines 哪 (which) with 些 (some, plural marker) to specifically inquire about more than one thing. Unlike 哪个 (which one) that asks about a single item, 哪些 always refers to plural or multiple options.
Usage
Native speakers use 哪些 when they expect a plural answer or when asking about multiple items within a category. It commonly appears in questions about preferences, selections, or identifying members of a group. The answer typically uses 这些 (these) or lists multiple items. It's more formal than simply repeating a noun with 哪.
Examples
- 01你去过哪些国家？?Which countries have you been to?
- 02哪些学生需要参加考试？?Which students need to take the exam?
Characters
Common collocations
- 哪些人which people
- 哪些东西which things
- 哪些国家which countries
- 哪些方面which aspects
Origin
Formed by combining 哪 (which, interrogative) with 些 (some, indicating plurality), creating a compound question word for plural referents.