是
shì/ʂɻ̩⁵¹/
In Chinese, "it is" is expressed as 是 (shì).
The phrase 是 is used to identify a subject or to state that a specific quality applies to it. However, it is important to note that in many Chinese sentences, the verb 是 can be omitted entirely.
How does it change in a sentence?
To negate the phrase, place 不 before the verb to form 不是 (is not). You can also add the particle 的 to the end of the verb to create 是的, which is a common way to say "Yes" or "That is correct" when responding to a statement.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is shì.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 是 to connect a subject to an adjective when describing a quality, such as saying "He is tall". Instead of using 是, you should use an adjective or a degree adverb to describe the subject.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 就是这样的。That's the way it is.This sentence shows how to use 是 to describe a situation.Tatoeba #507645 by GlossaMatik, translation #43129 by CK
- 這不是手錶。It is not a watch.This sentence demonstrates the negation of 是.Tatoeba #710675 by egg0073, translation #710676 by CM
- 这是我的错。It is my fault.This sentence shows how to use 是 to identify ownership or responsibility.Tatoeba #790573 by GlossaMatik, translation #6695780 by Adelpa
- 这是一本书。This is a book.
- 他是医生。He is a doctor.
- 236 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Haoran and Jiayi are looking at a gift in a shop.
- 浩然 Haoran这是送给你的礼物。Zhè shì sòng gěi nǐ de lǐwù.This is a gift for you.
- 佳怡 Jiayi哇，这真是太棒了！Wa, zhè zhēn shì tài bàng le!Wow, this really is wonderful!
- 浩然 Haoran你喜欢吗？Nǐ xǐhuān ma?Do you like it?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我很喜欢，谢谢你。Wǒ hěn xǐhuān, xièxiè nǐ.I like it very much, thank you.
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.
