哪 (nǎ) is a character primarily used in questions to inquire about “which” or “where.” Its structure provides a fascinating glimpse into its inquisitive nature:

• 口 (kǒu): This component, representing “mouth,” is often found in characters related to speech or sounds. Here, it suggests that the character is related to asking questions or making inquiries.
• 那 (nà/nǎ): This component, which we encountered earlier as a character meaning “that,” originally referred to a distant location. In this context, it’s believed to have primarily served as a phonetic component, providing a sound hint similar to the interrogative pronoun “which” (nǎ).

Combining these elements, 哪 can be interpreted as “inquiring about a specific one among several” or “asking about a particular location or option.” This questioning nature is reflected in its modern usage:

• Which: 哪 is used to ask questions about a specific choice among several options. For example, 你喜欢哪一个？ (Nǐ xǐhuan nǎ yīgè?) means “Which one do you like?”
• Where: 哪 can also be used to inquire about a location or place. For example, 你去哪里？ (Nǐ qù nǎlǐ?) means “Where are you going?”
• What: In some cases, 哪 can also be used to ask “what,” particularly when combined with other characters. For example, 哪样 (nǎyàng) means “what kind” or “how.”

The evolution of 哪 from a combination of location and sound to a versatile interrogative pronoun demonstrates the adaptability of Chinese characters. Its structure highlights the connection between asking questions and seeking specific information, emphasizing the inquisitive nature of human communication.