Grammar Point:
The adverb 究竟 jiùjìng is very similar to the first function of 到底 dàodǐ. It expresses the speaker’s desire to find out the truth or the actual situation. 究竟 jiùjìng is more formal, while 到底 dàodǐ is more colloquial.
Structure
究竟 jiùjìng + Question Word
This structure is used to express a question that requires an exact or precise answer. Unlike 到底 dàodǐ, it indicates that the speaker is truly wondering.
你究竟有多少個女朋友?你究竟有多少个女朋友?
Truly, how many girlfriends do you have?
我們已經逛這個商場5個小時了,你究竟想要買什麼?我们已经逛这个商场5个小时了,你究竟想要买什么?
We have been shopping in this mall for 5 hours. What do you really want to buy?
如果戰爭發生,我們究竟該如何保護自己?如果战争发生,我们究竟该如何保护自己?
If a war breaks out, what on earth should we do to protect ourselves?
我究竟做錯了什麼?我究竟做错了什么?
What exactly did I do wrong?
究竟 jiùjìng + Verb + 不 / 没 + Verb
It introduces a question or a doubt. In this case, it means “what exactly” or “whether”.
你究竟知不知道這件事的嚴重性你究竟知不知道这件事的严重性
Do you really know how serious of this?
這家店總是關門,究竟做不做生意这家店总是关门,究竟做不做生意
This store is always closed. I wonder whether it does business or not.
面對未來,你究竟有沒有信心?面对未来,你究竟有没有信心?
When it comes to the future, do you really have confidence?
AI發展快速,人類究竟會不會有一天被AI取代?AI发展快速,人类究竟会不会有一天被AI取代?
With the rapid development of AI, will humans eventually be replaced by AI?
Note:
ma structure did not work with the grammar of 究竟 jiùjìng.這家店究竟做生意嗎?这家店究竟做生意吗?❌