How to use the Chinese word SHI？In this post, you will learn the 8 different ways to use SHI. The Chinese word 是 shì is not exactly the English equivalent of to be. The only similarity with English is that it is followed by a noun which defines the subject or the topic.
What does SHI in Chinese mean?
The upper portion is 日 rì , representing the sun.
The lower portion is 正 zhèng or 足 zú , representing walking straight forward towards the sun. Thus, the Chinese word 是 shì has the meaning of right or correct.
The simplest meaning of 是 shì in English is yes 是 shì or no is 不是 bù shì
What does the Chinese Word SHI looks like before
How to use the Chinese Word SHI
1. Conceding a point
In the first sentence, speaker agrees that the dress is beautiful. However, it is too expensive to buy. And, in the second sentence, the speaker agrees and bought the printer. However, the printer is not easy to use after buying it.
2. Providing an answer to a question
Mr. A ask Mr.B what happened to his friend? Mr.B provided an explanation using the Chinese word 是 shì. 吃太多 is the reason or explanation why Mr.B’s friend is not feeling well.
3. Express affirmation
是 shì is to highlight the time, place, means etc of the action expressed in the verb. It is immediately before the phrase or word we want to highlight.
If the action emphasized is in the past, 是 shì is always used with 的 de. For example,
我是坐船来的。 wǒ shì zuò chuán lái de. We came by boat.
4. Indicating clear boundaries
5. Has the meaning of suitable or just right
6. Has a similar meaning as Fan Shi 凡是
7. Use together with 就 JIU
8A. To state subject and object of a sentence is the same
是 shì in this sentence is not highlighted as it is merely stating a point that one year and 365 years are referring to the same thing.
8B. To provide more information about the subject (place)
That is all for this lesson on how to use the Chinese word 是 shì. If you find this post useful, do share! Pronunciation of this lesson is in our youtube channel.
