是 (shì) — to be (is, am, are)

是 (shì)

是 is the main linking verb in Chinese, equivalent to "is," "am," or "are." It connects a subject to a noun or noun phrase. Important: 是 does NOT mean "to have." Use 有 (yǒu) for possession. Also note that 是 is not used before adjectives. Say 他很高 (he is tall), not 他是高.

Meanings

1. [verb] To be (is, am, are). Links subject to an identity or classification.

Example Sentences

我是学生。 Wǒ shì xuésheng. I am a student.

她是我的老师。 Tā shì wǒ de lǎoshī. She is my teacher.

这是我的书。 Zhè shì wǒ de shū. This is my book.

你是哪国人？ Nǐ shì nǎ guó rén? What country are you from?

Collocations

Memory Hook

是 contains the sun (日) at the top and a foot (止) below, suggesting the sun standing firmly in the sky: definite, certain, "it IS so."