是
shì
To be, yes
是 (shì) — X is X, Y is Y
X + 是 (shì) + X，Y + 是 (shì) + Y
HSK 43.0
Pattern diagram
Noun是Noun，Noun是Noun
Rule structure
X是 (shì)X，Y是 (shì)Y emphasizes that two things or domains must be kept separate. Each of the two words is repeated separately: “friendship is one thing, business another.” In concessive X是 (shì)X……, only one quality is repeated and then qualified with 但 (dàn) or 就是 (jiùshì).
Rule structure
X是 (shì)X，Y是 (shì)Y emphasizes that two things or domains must be kept separate. Each of the two words is repeated separately: “friendship is one thing, business another.” In concessive X是 (shì)X……, only one quality is repeated and then qualified with 但 (dàn) or 就是 (jiùshì).
Examples
朋友是朋友，生意是生意。
Péngyou shì péngyou, shēngyi shì shēngyi.
Friendship is one thing, business another.
说是说，做是做。
Shuō shì shuō, zuò shì zuò.
Talking is one thing, doing is another.
Examples
朋友是朋友，生意是生意。
Péngyou shì péngyou, shēngyi shì shēngyi.
Friendship is one thing, business another.
说是说，做是做。
Shuō shì shuō, zuò shì zuò.
Talking is one thing, doing is another.
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Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “X is X, Y is Y” in Chinese with 是?
Use the structure: X + 是 (shì) + X，Y + 是 (shì) + Y. For example: 朋友是朋友，生意是生意。 — “Friendship is one thing, business another”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
朋友是朋友，生意是生意。 — “Friendship is one thing, business another”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Level 4.
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More HSK 3.0 Level 4 grammar rules
够 — “so… / really…” with 的
够 (gòu) + Adj. + 的 (de)
来得及 / 来不及 — having enough time
来得及 (láidejí) / 来不及 (láibují) + Verb
拿 — take as an example
拿 (ná) + Noun + 来说 (lái shuō), ...
有什么 — no point in doing it
有什么 (yǒu shénme) + 好 (hǎo) + Verb + 的 (de) / 没什么 (méi shénme) + 好 (hǎo) + Verb + 的 (de)
怎么 — no matter how hard one tries
怎么 (zěnme) + (Verb) + 都 (dōu) / 也 (yě) + Negative result
还 — challenging a claim
还 (hái) + X + 呢 (ne)
你 — go ahead and do it: 你X你的吧
你 (nǐ) + Verb + 你的 (nǐ de) + 吧 (ba)
让/叫 — do as you are told
让 (ràng) / 叫 (jiào) + you + Verb + 你 (nǐ) + 就 (jiù) + Verb