是不是

• Pinyin: shì bu shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 是 (to be) + 不 (not) + 是 (to be) — affirmative-negative question pattern

Meaning

Is it or not; used to form yes-or-no questions or seek confirmation.

A common question pattern formed by repeating the verb 是 in affirmative-negative form. Can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. Often used to confirm something you already suspect is true, similar to 'isn't it?' or 'right?' in English.

Examples

1. 你是不是中国人？ Are you Chinese?
2. 这是不是你的手机？ Is this your phone?
3. 明天是不是星期一？ Is tomorrow Monday?

Usage Guide

Context: questions, everyday

Tone: inquisitive

Do Say

• 你是不是学生？(Are you a student?)
• 他是不是你的老师？(Is he your teacher?)

Don't Say

• 你是不是不喜欢我吗？(Don't add 吗 at the end — 是不是 already forms a question; say 你是不是不喜欢我)

Origin & History

Formed by the affirmative-negative question pattern (V + 不 + V), a fundamental Chinese grammar structure using 是 (to be) + 不 (not) + 是 (to be).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal