是
shì
To be, yes
How to say “is” in Chinese with 是 (shì)
A + 是 (shì) + B
是 (shì) — “is” in Chinese
HSK 1Basics
A + 是 (shì) + B
HSK 1Basics是 (shì) — “is” in Chinese
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.
我们是朋友。
Wǒmen shì péngyǒu.
We are friends.
我是学生。
Wǒ shì xuéshēng.
I am a student.
Examples
他是老师。
Tā shì lǎoshī.
He is a teacher.
我们是朋友。
Wǒmen shì péngyǒu.
We are friends.
我是学生。
Wǒ shì xuéshēng.
I am a student.
Practice
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Characters
Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “‘is’ in Chinese” in Chinese with 是?
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
太 — too, excessively
太 (tài) + Adj. + 了 (le)
我 — basic sentence order
Subj. + Verb (+ Obj.)
很 — very + adjective
Subject + 很 (hěn) + Adj.
来 vs 去 — coming and going
来 (lái) / 去 (qù) + Place
星期 — days of the week
星期 (xīngqī) + Number
时间 — time words and word order
Subj. + Time … / Time + Subj. …
在 — actions in progress
(正 (zhèng)) 在 (zài) + Verb
会 — will, going to
会 (huì) + Verb