有
yǒu
In Chinese, "there is" is expressed using 有 (yǒu).
The word 有 is used to say that something exists or is located in a particular place. It is also the equivalent of the English verb "to have."
Which one should you use?
In English, "there is" and "to have" are distinct, but in Chinese, 有 covers both existence and possession.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "there is not" or "there isn't", use the negative form 没有. To turn the phrase into a question meaning "is there?" or "are there?", you can either add 没有 to the end of the sentence or use the form 有没有.
How do you pronounce it?
yǒu
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 是 to mean "there is". While 是 means "is/are", it is used for equating two nouns (stating that A is B), not for expressing existence.
Did you know?
- The character 有 may have originally been a form of the word for 'minced pickled meat'.
Examples in context
- 你有一封信。There is a letter for you.This sentence shows how to use 有 to indicate a letter exists for someone.Tatoeba #9057897 by xjjAstrus, translation #680993 by Source_VOA
- 杯子里有水。There is water in the glass.This sentence demonstrates using 有 to show water is in a glass.Tatoeba #10961067 by xjjAstrus, translation #11252828 by weihaiping
- 桌子上有本书。There is a book on the table.This sentence illustrates using 有 to state a book is on a table.Tatoeba #403709 by GlossaMatik, translation #39600 by Sbgodin
- 在城市里有很多高楼大厦。There are many skyscrapers in the city.
- 这个房间有一张大床和一些椅子。This room has a big bed and some chairs.
- 这个问题存在很多争议。There is a lot of controversy regarding this issue.
- 这个地方有好吃的小吃。There are delicious snacks in this place.
- 我家楼下有一家便利店。There is a convenience store downstairs from my house.
- 248 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yuting and Wei are looking for a place to eat.
- 雨婷 Yuting这里有好的餐厅吗？Zhèlǐ yǒu hǎo de cāntīng ma?Are there any good restaurants here?
- 伟 Wei有，就在街角。Yǒu, jiù zài jiējiǎo.Yes, there is one right on the corner.
- 雨婷 Yuting那里有位子吗？Nàlǐ yǒu wèizi ma?Are there seats there?
- 伟 Wei现在应该有。Xiànzài yīnggāi yǒu.There should be some now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 有, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
