wǒ shì
identity
In pinyin "I am" is wǒ shì (我是) when you name who or what you are, as in wǒ shì xuésheng (I am a student). It is also called wǒ zài and wǒ hěn.
Meaning: I am (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Note |
|---|---|
| wǒ shì | identity |
| wǒ zài | location |
| wǒ hěn | with adjectives |
How does it change in a sentence?
With a place use wǒ zài (我在), as in wǒ zài jiā (I am at home). With an adjective use wǒ hěn (我很) and no shì, as in wǒ hěn lèi (I am tired).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often add shì before an adjective. In Chinese wǒ shì lèi sounds wrong, and wǒ hěn lèi is the natural choice.
Did you know?
- Chinese uses three different patterns for English "I am", depending on whether a noun, a place or an adjective follows.
Examples in context
- Wǒ shì Měiguórén.I am American.
- Wǒ zài jiā.I am at home.
- Wǒ hěn lèi.I am tired.
Example conversation
Grace introduces herself to Mr. Wu at a conference in Shanghai.
- GraceNín hǎo, wǒ shì Grace.Hello, I am Grace.
- WuNín hǎo, wǒ shì Wú Míng.Hello, I am Wu Ming.
- GraceWǒ shì lǎoshī.I am a teacher.
