是的 (shì de) — yes; that's right; indeed

是的 (shì de)

是的 means "yes," "that's right," or "indeed." It confirms or affirms that a stated fact is correct.

Meanings

1. [phrase] Yes; that's right; correct; indeed (factual affirmation).

Example Sentences

A: 你是老师吗？ B: 是的，我是老师。 A: Nǐ shì lǎoshī ma? B: Shì de, wǒ shì lǎoshī. A: Are you a teacher? B: Yes, I am a teacher.

A: 他是你的朋友吗？ B: 是的。 A: Tā shì nǐ de péngyou ma? B: Shì de. A: Is he your friend? B: Yes.

是的，我已经知道了。 Shì de, wǒ yǐjīng zhīdào le. Yes, I already know.

A: 这是对的吗？ B: 是的，没错。 A: Zhè shì duì de ma? B: Shì de, méi cuò. A: Is this correct? B: Yes, that's right.

Usage Notes

是的 uses 是 (to be) + 的 (particle), which together make a complete affirmation. In Chinese there is no single universal word for "yes" — instead, you typically echo the verb from the question. 是的 works specifically when the question is about whether something is true or whether someone is something (using 是). For questions with other verbs, you echo that verb: 吃不吃 — 吃 (do you eat — yes, eat). 是的 is slightly more complete and polite than a plain 是; it is common in both spoken and written contexts. Compare with 好的 (okay, I agree to do something) — 是的 confirms facts, 好的 accepts actions.

Collocations or Common Phrases

Memory Hook

是的 = is (是) + particle (的) — it simply states that something "is," confirming the fact directly.