是的
shì de
Yes i do
是的 (shì de) is a common and versatile way to say "yes" or "that's right" in Mandarin Chinese. While there isn't a single direct equivalent to the English phrase "yes, I do" that fits every situation, 是的 often serves as a general affirmative, especially when confirming a statement or an implied action.
When to use it
Neutral and polite. For a more casual "yes" or "right," use 对 (duì). When answering a "do you...?" or "are you...?" question, Chinese often confirms by repeating the verb or adjective from the question, either alone or following 是的.
How to pronounce it
Sounds roughly like "SHIR-duh." The 是 is a falling tone, and 的 is a light, neutral tone.
Other ways to say it
- 对duìyes; correct (casual, emphasizing correctness)
- 我喜欢wǒ xǐ huanI like (used to answer "Do you like...?")
- 我会wǒ huìI can (used to answer "Can you...?")
Examples
你喜欢咖啡吗？是的，我喜欢。
nǐ xǐ huan kā fēi ma ？ shì de ， wǒ xǐ huan 。
Do you like coffee? Yes, I do.
你会说中文吗？是的，我会。
nǐ huì shuō zhōng wén ma ？ shì de ， wǒ huì 。
Can you speak Chinese? Yes, I can.
你明天有空吗？是的，我有空。
nǐ míng tiān yǒu kōng ma ？ shì de ， wǒ yǒu kōng 。
Are you free tomorrow? Yes, I am.
Pro tip: Unlike English, Chinese doesn't have a single "yes" or "no" that fits all questions. To say "yes, I do" or "yes, I am," you usually use 是的 followed by the verb or adjective from the question, or simply repeat the verb/adjective without 是的.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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