LingoflyThe question particles -ތަ and -ތޯ
To make a question, a particle is glued to a word: -ތަ in ordinary speech, -ތޯ when you are polite. For example: “ކިހިނެއްތޯ؟” (kihinehthoa) — How are you? (polite). A rule from the Maldivian course: worked out on examples, not memorized as a wording.
How it works
To make a question, a particle is glued to a word: -ތަ in ordinary speech, -ތޯ (-tho) when you are polite.
ކިހިނެއް (kihineh) ("how") becomes ކިހިނެއްތޯ (kihinehthoa) — "how are you?". The question mark is ؟, and it stands on the left, because the line runs right to left.
By example
How the rule settles in your head
A rule is not memorized from an explanation. It is memorized from an attempt to use it and a mistake — that is why the app delivers it mixed in with words, not as a separate lesson: it resurfaces exactly where you forgot it.
Frequently asked
How to ask a question in Dhivehi?
To make a question, a particle is glued to a word: -ތަ in ordinary speech, -ތޯ when you are polite.
Dhivehi question particle tha or thoa?
To make a question, a particle is glued to a word: -ތަ in ordinary speech, -ތޯ when you are polite.
The Dhivehi question mark and why it is mirrored?
ކިހިނެއް (kihineh) ("how") becomes ކިހިނެއްތޯ (kihinehthoa) — "how are you?" The question mark is ؟, and it stands on the left, because the line runs right to left.
What does it look like in a Maldivian example sentence?
“ކިހިނެއްތޯ؟” (kihinehthoa?) — How are you? (polite). A rule is easier to test on sentences like this than to memorize as a wording: what surfaces in conversation is the sentence.