是的，我是
shì de, wǒ shì
The English phrase "yes, I am" is translated into Chinese as 是的，我是 (shì de, wǒ shì).
是的，我是 is a short response used to confirm that a statement about the speaker's identity or status is true.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 是的 (yes/is indeed) and 我是 (I am).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Chinese, the verb 是 (to be) must be repeated in the short response to confirm a statement about identity.
How do you pronounce it?
shì de, wǒ shì
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use 对 (correct) or 是 (yes) alone, but when confirming a specific identity or status, repeating the subject and verb 我是 is more natural.
Did you know?
- While 是的，我是 confirms a statement, Chinese often avoids the word 'yes' entirely by simply repeating the main verb of the question to show agreement.
- Adding the particle 吧 to the end of 我是 turns the confident 'yes, I am' into a hesitant 'I guess I am', signaling uncertainty to the listener.
- The word 是 is used for identity, but if the question asks if you are 'tired' or 'happy', you cannot use 我是 because adjectives do not take the verb 'to be' in Chinese.
Examples in context
- 是的，我是老师。Shì de, wǒ shì lǎoshī.Yes, I am a teacher.
- 是的，我是学生。Shì de, wǒ shì xuésheng.Yes, I am a student.
- 是的，我是中国人。Shì de, wǒ shì Zhōngguórén.Yes, I am Chinese.
Example conversation
A man confirms his identity with a woman during a professional introduction.
- 梓涵 Zihan请问，您是志强先生吗？Qǐngwèn, nín shì Zhìqiáng xiānsheng ma?Excuse me, are you Mr. Zhiqiang?
- 志强 Zhiqiang是的，我是。Shì de, wǒ shì.Yes, I am.
- 梓涵 Zihan很高兴见到您。Hěn gāoxìng jiàndào nín.It is nice to meet you.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我也很高兴见到您，梓涵小姐。Wǒ yě hěn gāoxìng jiàndào nín, Zǐhán xiǎojiě.Nice to meet you too, Miss Zihan.
