是

• Pinyin: shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 是 = 日 (sun) + 疋 (foot/correct), originally meaning 'straight' or 'correct'

Meaning

To be; is; am; are. The most fundamental copula verb in Chinese, linking a subject to a noun or noun phrase.

Used to equate the subject with a noun or noun phrase. Unlike English 'is', 是 is NOT used before adjectives (say 他很高 not 他是高). Also used for emphasis in the 是...的 construction and in the affirmative sense of 'yes, that's right.'

Examples

1. 我是学生。 I am a student.
2. 她是中国人。 She is Chinese.
3. 这是我的书。 This is my book.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, identification

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我是老师。(I am a teacher.)
• 这是我的朋友。(This is my friend.)

Don't Say

• 天气是很好。(Wrong — don't use 是 before adjectives; say 天气很好 instead)

Origin & History

Originally meant 'correct' or 'right'. The character combines 日 (sun) and 正 (straight/correct), suggesting clarity and correctness.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal