我是
wǒ shì
The Chinese phrase for "i am" is 我是 (wǒ shì).
我是 is used to state who or what the speaker is.
What does it mean word for word?
我 means "I" or "me", and 是 means "is", "am" or "are".
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ shì
Did you know?
- The character 我 originally depicted a variety of weapons in ancient scripts, suggesting the word for 'I' may have once been related to a tool of war.
- When introducing yourself in a very formal or traditional setting, you might use the phrase 在下 (your humble servant) instead of 我 to show extreme modesty and respect.
- Unlike English, you never use 我是 to say 'I am hungry' or 'I am happy'. For feelings or physical states, Chinese uses different verbs like 有 (to have) or specific adjectives that do not require a linking verb.
Examples in context
- 我是最好的。I am the best.This sentence shows how to use 我是 to express being the best.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 how to use 我是 to state an occupation.Tatoeba #2827155 by GlossaMatik, translation #256575 by CC
- 151 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people meet at a social gathering and introduce themselves.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你好，我是志强。Nǐ hǎo, wǒ shì Zhìqiáng.Hello, I am Zhiqiang.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你好，我是佳怡。Nǐ hǎo, wǒ shì Jiāyí.Hello, I am Jiayi.
- 志强 Zhiqiang很高兴认识你。Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ.Nice to meet you.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我也是。Wǒ yě shì.Me too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
