How to say “is” in Chinese with 是 (shì)
A + 是 (shì) + B
"A is B" with "是 (shì)"
A + 是 (shì) + B
HSK 1Basics"A is B" with "是 (shì)"
Rule structure
The linking verb 是 (shì) can be translated as "to be". 是 (shì) is used to equate nouns or noun phrases but can't connect a noun with an adjective.
Rule structure
The linking verb 是 (shì) can be translated as "to be". 是 (shì) is used to equate nouns or noun phrases but can't connect a noun with an adjective.
Examples
他是老师。
Tā shì lǎoshī.
He is a teacher.
Examples
他是老师。
Tā shì lǎoshī.
He is a teacher.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you express “"A is B" with "是 (shì)"” in Chinese?
Use the structure: A + 是 (shì) + B. For example: 他是老师。 — “He is a teacher.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
他是老师。 — “He is a teacher.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 1.
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More HSK 1 grammar rules
Expressing "excessively" with "太 (tài)"
太 (tài) + Adj. + 了 (le)
Basic sentence order
Subj. + Verb (+ Obj.)
Describing qualities with "很 (hěn)"
Subject + 很 (hěn) + Adj.
Directional verbs "来 (lái)" and "去 (qù)"
来 (lái) / 去 (qù) + Place
Structure of days of the week with "星期 (xīngqī)"
星期 (xīngqī) + Number
Time words and word order
Subj. + Time … / Time + Subj. …
Expressing actions in progress with "在 (zài)"
(正 (zhèng)) 在 (zài) + Verb
Expressing "will" with "会 (huì)"
会 (huì) + Verb