是

• 拼音: shì
• 汉字拆解: 是 = 日 (sun) + 疋 (foot/correct), originally meaning 'straight' or 'correct'

含义

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.'

例句

1. 我是学生。
2. 她是中国人。
3. 这是我的书。

用法指南

语境: everyday, identification

语气: neutral

正确说法

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

错误说法

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

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal