是(shì)
To Be
Structure Pattern
Explanation
是 (shì) is one of the most fundamental verbs in Chinese. It functions like "to be" in English but is used specifically to link a subject to a noun or pronoun — NOT to an adjective. Unlike English, you don't use 是 to say "I am happy" (that uses 很 instead). Think of 是 as an equals sign: A 是 B means "A = B".
Example Sentences
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Wǒ shì xuéshēng.
I am a student.
Tā shì wǒ de lǎoshī.
She is my teacher.
Zhè shì shénme?
What is this?
Tā bú shì Zhōngguó rén.
He is not Chinese.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
我是高兴。
Correct Usage
我很高兴。
Don't use 是 before adjectives. Use 很 instead.
Related Grammar Points
Negation (Not)
bù
不 (bù) is the standard negation word in Chinese, equivalent to "not" or "don't" in English. Place it directly before the verb or adjective you want to negate. Note: 不 changes to a rising tone (bú) when followed by a fourth-tone word. For past tense negation, use 没 (méi) instead of 不.
Very (Adjective Linker)
hěn
很 (hěn) literally means "very," but in Chinese it's commonly used to link a subject to an adjective without necessarily emphasizing degree. In "Subject + 很 + Adjective" patterns, 很 often just acts as the "glue" (like "is" in English) rather than actually meaning "very."
Master 是
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