The question particles -ތަ and -ތޯ
To turn a statement into a question, a particle is attached to a word: -ތަ (-tha) in ordinary speech and -ތޯ (-tho) — politely. For example: “ކިހިނެއްތޯ؟” — How are you? (polite). A rule from the Maldivian course: worked out on examples, not memorized as a wording.
How it works
To turn a statement into a question, a particle is attached to a word: -ތަ (-tha) in ordinary speech and -ތޯ (-tho) — politely.
ކިހިނެއް (how) becomes ކިހިނެއްތޯ (kihinehthoa) — "How are you?". The question mark is written as ؟ and stands on the left, because the line runs right to left.
By example
- ކިހިނެއްތޯ؟kihinehthoa?How are you? (polite)
- ފެރީ ކޮބާ؟feree kobaa?Where is the ferry?
- ކިހާ ވަރެއް؟kihaa vareh?How much is it?
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 turn a statement into a question, a particle is attached to a word: -ތަ (-tha) in ordinary speech and -ތޯ (-tho) — politely.
Dhivehi question particle tha or thoa?
ކިހިނެއް (how) becomes ކިހިނެއްތޯ — "How are you?". The question mark is written as ؟ and stands on the left, because the line runs right to left.
The Dhivehi question mark and why it is mirrored?
ކިހިނެއް (how) becomes ކިހިނެއްތޯ — "How are you?". The question mark is written as ؟ and stands on the left, because the line runs right to left.
What does it look like in an example sentence Maldivian?
“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.