是吗？
shì ma?
The English phrase "is that so?" is translated into Chinese as 是吗？ (shì ma?)
是吗？ is a question used to express surprise or to confirm information that someone has just shared. While it can be used to confirm facts, it is more commonly used to express mild surprise or to keep a conversation flowing, much like the English word "Really?" in similar contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the verb 是 (to be) and the question particle 吗 (used to turn a statement into a yes/no question).
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the rhetorical question "isn't it so?" or "is it not?", you use the negative form 不 (not) before the verb: 不是吗？
How do you pronounce it?
shì ma?
Did you know?
- If you use 是吗？ with a very flat, falling intonation, it can actually cease to be a question of surprise and instead sound like a sarcastic 'Whatever' or 'If you say so'.
- The particle 吗 is a relatively modern addition to the Chinese language and did not exist in Classical Chinese, where questions were formed using different structures.
- In many Chinese social settings, instead of saying 是吗？, people often repeat the last noun or verb of your sentence followed by 吗？ to show they are listening, which feels more natural than a generic 'is that so?'
Examples in context
- 昨天的会议很成功。 是这样吗？Yesterday's meeting was very successful. Is that so?
- 根据最新的研究，经常锻炼可以提高大脑的功能。 原来如此。According to the latest research, regular exercise can enhance brain function. I see.
- 最近发现了一个很有趣的网站。 真的吗？I recently discovered a very interesting website. Really?
- 我昨晚看了最新一集，结局真让人意外。 嗯，是吗？I watched the latest episode last night, and the ending was truly unexpected. Hmm, is that so?
- 他要去北京，是吗？Tā yào qù Běijīng, shì ma?He is going to Beijing, is that so?
- 明天会下雨，是吗？Míngtiān huì xiàyǔ, shì ma?It will rain tomorrow, is that so?
- 你已经学过中文了，是吗？Nǐ yǐjīng xuéguò Zhōngwén le, shì ma?You have already studied Chinese, is that so?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new restaurant opening.
- 伟 Wei这家餐厅非常有名。Zhè jiā cāntīng fēicháng yǒumíng.This restaurant is very famous.
- 佳怡 Jiayi是吗？Shì ma?Is that so?
- 伟 Wei是的，很多人都喜欢去。Shì de, hěnduō rén dōu xǐhuān qù.Yes, many people like to go there.
- 佳怡 Jiayi那我们下次一起去吧。Nà wǒmen xià cì yìqǐ qù ba.Then let's go together next time.
