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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing affirmation or agreement with 是 (shì)

    Emphasis

    Explanation

    是 (shì) can function as an interjection expressing affirmation or agreement, similar to 'yes' or 'right' in English. In this usage, it stands alone or begins a response to confirm what someone has said, distinct from its more common role as the verb 'to be.'

    Examples

    • "你是李明吧？""是，我就是。"

      "nǐ shì lǐ míng ba?" "shì, wǒ jiù shì."

      "You're Li Ming, right?" "Yes, that's me."

    • "明天九点开会。""是，我知道了。"

      "míngtiān jiǔ diǎn kāihuì." "shì, wǒ zhīdào le."

      "There's a meeting at nine tomorrow." "Yes, understood."

    • "这份文件需要今天交。""是，马上就办。"

      "zhè fèn wénjiàn xūyào jīntiān jiāo." "shì, mǎshàng jiù bàn."

      "This document needs to be submitted today." "Yes, I'll take care of it right away."

    Expressing affirmation or agreement with 是 (shì) | Chinese Grammar