是
shì/ʂɻ̩⁵¹/
The English phrase "is" is translated into Chinese as 是 (shì).
The verb 是 is primarily used to equate two nouns or noun phrases, such as in the structure "A is B".
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, 是 is generally not used to link a subject to an adjective. For example, to say "He is tall," you would use an adverb like 很 instead of 是.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 是 does not change its form based on the subject (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) or number (singular/plural). To negate the verb, place the negative particle 不 before it to form 不是 (is not). You can also create a tag question similar to "is it?" or "right?" by repeating the verb as 是不是.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is shì and the IPA is /ʂɻ̩⁵¹/.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 这不是真的。This is not true.This sentence is useful for using 是 in a negative statement.Tatoeba #409219 by GlossaMatik, translation #370573 by saeb
- 这个人是谁？Who is this person?This sentence is useful for asking a question with 是.Tatoeba #488780 by GlossaMatik, translation #488778 by CM
- 就是这样的。That's the way it is.This sentence is useful for using 是 to confirm a state of affairs.Tatoeba #507645 by GlossaMatik, translation #43129 by CK
- 他是医生He is a doctor.
- 这是为了你的安全This is for your safety.
- 他是个好人He is a good person.
- 这哪是真的?Is this for real?
- 他跑得很快He runs fast.
- 他真聪明He is really smart.
- 5054 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a photo in a cafe.
- 佳怡 Jiayi他是你的老师吗？Tā shì nǐ de lǎoshī ma?Is he your teacher?
- 伟 Wei不，他不是我的老师。Bù, tā bù shì wǒ de lǎoshī.No, he is not my teacher.
- 佳怡 Jiayi他是谁？Tā shì shuí?Who is he?
- 伟 Wei他是我的哥哥。Tā shì wǒ de gēge.He is my older brother.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 是, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 是, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
