是
correct; this; to be; yes
Meanings
16 senses · 72 examplesadjective
correct; right; true
neutralUsed to describe a statement, action or idea that is accurate or proper, often paired with negative word "非".
What you said is exactly right.
This matter has no redeeming qualities at all.
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His self-righteous attitude is annoying.
We should handle problems in a realistic and pragmatic way.
You are absolutely right, I will take your advice.
verb
to consider correct; to approve
literaryFormal literary usage, often used in fixed phrases.
He always praises the past and criticizes the present, denying modern progress.
Everyone present agreed wholeheartedly with what he said.
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This scholar's view of praising the past and criticizing the present has received much criticism.
interjection
yes; okay; I see
neutralUsed to respond to someone, express agreement or acknowledge information.
Yes, I got it, I'll be right there.
Yes, I'll go through the procedures right away.
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The teacher asked me if I had finished my homework, and I said yes.
noun
surname Shi
neutralUsed as a family name, relatively rare in modern China.
This is Mr. Shi, our company's new consultant.
demonstrative pronoun
this; these; such
literaryFormal literary usage, often appearing in classical Chinese phrases and fixed expressions.
From this, we can know that his statement is not accurate.
Just like this, we can only proceed as originally planned.
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If this can be tolerated, what cannot? We must stand up and resist.
That day was sunny, and we went to the park for a picnic together.
His words and deeds are like this, which is really disappointing.
copula verb
to be; indicate identity or attribute
neutralThe most common usage of the character, used to connect subject and predicate to indicate identity, category or attribute.
The author of The True Story of Ah Q is Lu Xun.
Thrift means not wasting resources.
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Beijing is the capital of China.
This book is mine.
The food my mom cooks is the most delicious in the world.
auxiliary verb
be used for classification
neutralUsed together with "的" to classify objects or describe the nature of things.
This table is made of stone.
That bottle of ink is red.
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I came here to see him.
This coat is made of wool.
This cup is made of ceramics.
copula verb
indicate the subject belongs to a certain situation
neutralUsed to describe the nature or state of the subject, common in daily spoken and written language.
He had good intentions.
We are men of our word, a word spoken is past recalling, and will never go back on our promise.
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It is winter in the yard, but spring inside the house.
This plan is feasible.
He truly wants to help you.
verb
indicate existence
neutralThe subject is mostly a location word, and "是" introduces the existing object.
In front of the village is a stretch of paddy fields.
He was sweating all over from running.
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On the table is a plate of freshly cut fruit.
On the wall is a world map.
The box is full of old clothes.
auxiliary verb
emphasize mutual exclusivity
informalUsed to stress that two things are separate and should not be mixed up, often used in daily conversations.
Last year is last year, this year is this year, don't treat them the same year after year!
Talking is talking, doing is doing, even if you have opinions, you can't delay your work.
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Work is work, life is life, don't mix them up.
Studying is studying, resting is resting, you need to arrange your time reasonably.
Eating is eating, playing on the phone is playing on the phone, don't eat and play on the phone at the same time.
auxiliary verb
concessive meaning
neutralUsed to introduce a concession, equivalent to "although", often followed by a转折 clause.
The poem is a good one, but it's just a bit too long.
The things are old, but they still work.
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I will go, but I won't eat there.
This movie is good, but the ticket price is a bit expensive.
This clothes is comfortable, but the color doesn't suit me very well.
particle
emphasize the beginning of a sentence
neutralUsed at the start of a sentence to emphasize the following content, often used in questions or statements.
Who told you that?
It is the national defense soldiers who guard the country day and night that allow us to live a happy life.
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You promised me first, you can't go back on your word.
I was wrong, I apologize to you.
He was the one who started the fight, we have evidence.
preposition
all; every
literaryFormal usage, equivalent to "all" or "every", used to introduce a general scope.
He is willing to do anything that benefits the masses.
All students should abide by the school rules and regulations.
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All exercises that are good for health should be persisted in.
We should lend a hand to everyone who needs help.
The government will support all legitimate business activities.
adjective
suitable; proper; fitting
informalUsed to describe that something fits the situation or requirement, often used in spoken language.
What he thought is very much on the right track.
This rain came at just the right time.
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Everything is placed in the right spot.
This hairstyle suits you perfectly.
The gift he chose is exactly what the other person wanted.
particle
used in interrogative sentences
neutralUsed in question sentences to form interrogative structures, common in daily conversations.
Do you eat rice or noodles?
Didn't he leave already?
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You are tired, aren't you?
Is this your schoolbag?
Are you planning to go to Beijing tomorrow?
adverb
definitely; indeed; really
neutralNeeds to be stressed when speaking, used to emphasize the certainty of the following content.
I found out clearly, he really didn't go that day.
This book is really good, you can read it.
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He is really smart, he can get first place in every exam.
I did say this, but you misunderstood it.
This place is really beautiful, no wonder everyone likes to come here.