shì
"is", "that is right"
Chinese has no single word for "yes". In pinyin people answer with shì ("it is so"), duì ("correct") or hǎo ("OK"), depending on the question.
Meaning: affirmative answer (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Note |
|---|---|
| shì | "is", "that is right" |
| duì | "correct" |
| hǎo | "OK", agreeing |
To answer a yes or no question, repeat the verb. If someone asks nǐ shì xuésheng ma?, "are you a student?", you say shì, and for nǐ yào chá ma?, "do you want tea?", you say yào.
Which one should you use?
Duì confirms that a statement is correct. Hǎo agrees with a suggestion or request, like "OK" or "sure".
How do you pronounce it?
Shì and duì both have the fourth tone, a sharp fall.
Did you know?
- Because Chinese answers by repeating the verb, a plain shì is the only case that comes close to English "yes".
Examples in context
- Nǐ shì xuésheng ma? Shì.Are you a student? Yes.
- Duì, nǐ shuō de duì.Yes, you are right.
- Women qù chī fàn ba? Hǎo!Shall we go eat? OK!
Example conversation
Waiter Fei asks a customer, Mrs. Lu, about her order.
- FeiNín yào chá ma?Would you like tea?
- Mrs. LuYào.Yes.
- FeiHǎo de, mǎshàng lái.Certainly, right away.
