这是
zhè shì
In Chinese, 'this is' is translated as 这是 (zhè shì).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the demonstrative pronoun 这, which literally means 'this' and the verb 是, which means 'to be'.
Which one should you use?
While 这是 is the standard way to say 'this is', you can use 这就是 to add emphasis to the fact that something is what you are identifying. For a more formal or literary tone, you may use 此乃.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Southern China, such as Guangdong, people might say 呢個係 instead of the standard form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 这是 is formed by combining the demonstrative pronoun 'this' with the verb 'to be'.
How do you pronounce it?
zhè shì
Did you know?
- The character 是 originally meant 'right' or 'correct' rather than 'to be'. It only evolved into a linking verb like 'is' much later in the development of the Chinese language.
- In many Chinese-speaking regions, if you use 这是 to point at something, you must ensure your gesture is precise, as pointing with a single finger can be seen as rude compared to using an open palm.
- The formal version 此乃 is rarely spoken today but appears frequently in period dramas and wuxia novels to make characters sound like ancient scholars or royalty.
Examples in context
- 这是我的错。This is my fault.This sentence is useful for admitting an error.Tatoeba #790573 by GlossaMatik, translation #1898107 by CK
- 这是最好的。This is the best.This sentence is useful for expressing superlatives.Tatoeba #5983570 by verdastelo9604, translation #1898091 by CK
- 这是典型的。This is typical.This sentence is useful for describing something as typical.Tatoeba #5983578 by verdastelo9604, translation #4495299 by CK
- 这是一本好书。This is a good book.
- 此乃君子之交。This is the friendship of gentlemen.
- 这个是我的朋友。This is my friend.
- 这就是我喜欢的音乐。This is the music I like.
- 233 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei and Zihan are looking at a photo in an album.
- 伟 Wei这是谁？zhè shì shéi?Who is this?
- 梓涵 Zihan这是我的哥哥。zhè shì wǒ de gēge.This is my older brother.
- 伟 Wei他看起来很帅。tā kàn qǐlái hěn shuài.He looks very handsome.
- 梓涵 Zihan是的，这是他小时候的照片。shì de, zhè shì tā xiǎoshíhòu de zhàopiàn.Yes, this is a photo of him when he was a child.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
