我不是
wǒ bù shì
The English phrase "I am not" is translated into Chinese as 我不是 (wǒ bù shì).
我不是 is used to negate a noun or an identity. In casual conversations, the variation 不是我 can be used to mean "it's not me" or to indicate that you are not the one responsible for something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 我 (I) + 不 (not) + 是 (am/is/are).
Which one should you use?
While 我不是 is used to negate a noun or identity, the phrase 我不 is used to negate verbs or adjectives.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ bù shì
Did you know?
- In formal written Chinese, the phrase 并非 (bìng fēi) is often used instead of 不是 to express 'it is not the case that I am', adding a layer of intellectual sophistication.
- Chinese does not conjugate verbs for person or number. This means 我不是 (I am not) uses the exact same word for 'am' as 他不是 (he is not) and 我们不是 (we are not).
- To express 'I am not' in a way that sounds softer or more hesitant, speakers often add the particle 吧 at the end, turning the statement into a tentative suggestion.
Examples in context
- 我不是笨蛋。I am not stupid.This sentence is useful for negating an adjective.Tatoeba #8698960 by crescat, translation #2857953 by CM
- 我不是加拿大人。I am not Canadian.This sentence is useful for negating a nationality.Tatoeba #1423388 by cienias, translation #1098217 by cntrational
- 我不是一个恋家的人。I am not homesick.This sentence is useful for negating a descriptive phrase.Tatoeba #1426431 by sadhen, translation #7787210 by sharris123
- 我不是学生。I am not a student.
- 我不在办公室。I am not in the office.
- 对不起，我不是那个人。Sorry, I am not that person.
- 我不高兴。I am not happy.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
晓雯 and 浩然 are discussing their job roles.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你是不是他的老板？Nǐ shì bù shì tā de lǎobǎn?Are you his boss?
- 浩然 Haoran我不是，我只是同事。Wǒ bù shì, wǒ zhǐshì tóngshì.I am not, I am just a colleague.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen哦，原来如此。Ò, yuánlái rúcǐ.Oh, I see.
- 浩然 Haoran是的，我们关系很好。Shì de, wǒmen guānxì hěn hǎo.Yes, we have a good relationship.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
