我是
wǒ shì
The English phrase "I am" is translated into Mandarin as 我是 (wǒ shì).
我是 is used to identify yourself or describe your own state and characteristics, specifically when identifying yourself as a noun such as a name or a profession.
What does it mean word for word?
我 (wǒ) means "I" or "me", and 是 (shì) functions as the verb "to be" (am/is/are).
Which one should you use?
Use 我是 when you are identifying yourself as a noun, for example, stating your name or your job. Do not use it to link a subject to an adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ shì
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 我是 to say "I am [adjective]" (such as "I am happy"). In Mandarin, you should use 我 很 (wǒ hěn) instead of 我是 when following the subject with an adjective.
Did you know?
- The word 是 (shì) can also be used as a standalone word to mean 'yes', though it specifically confirms that a previous statement was correct.
- In very formal or ancient contexts, you might see 吾 (wú) used instead of 我 (wǒ) for 'I', though this is now mostly found in literature and period dramas.
- In Mandarin, the word 是 (shì) stays the same regardless of who is speaking, meaning 'am', 'is' and 'are' are all the same word.
Examples in context
- 我是最好的。I am the best.This sentence shows how to use 我是 to claim a superlative state.Tatoeba #409665 by egg0073, translation #409664 by CN
- 我是个翻译。I am a translator.This sentence demonstrates using 我是 to state a profession.Tatoeba #490803 by GlossaMatik, translation #536946 by Kerstin
- 我是个职员。I am an office worker.This sentence shows using 我是 to describe one's occupation.Tatoeba #2827155 by GlossaMatik, translation #256575 by CC
- 我是学生。I am a student.
- 我是医生。I am a doctor.
- 本人是公司的经理。I am the manager of the company.
- 本人是来自美国的教师。I am a teacher from the United States.
- 我是工程师。I am an engineer.
- 我是一个音乐家。I am a musician.
- 我是个设计师。I am a designer.
- 俺系个老北京人。I am a native Beijinger.
- 我是个人。I am a person.
- 我是个学者。I am a scholar.
- 151 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people meeting at a social event.
- 俊杰 Junjie你好，我是伟。Nǐ hǎo, wǒ shì Wěi.Hello, I am Wei.
- 梓涵 Zihan你好，我是佳怡。Nǐ hǎo, wǒ shì Jiāyí.Hello, I am Jiayi.
- 俊杰 Junjie你是学生吗？Nǐ shì xuéshēng ma?Are you a student?
- 梓涵 Zihan不是，我是设计师。Bú shì, wǒ shì shèjìshī.No, I am a designer.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
