是
shì
Yes
Unlike English, Mandarin Chinese doesn't have a single, universal word for “yes.” Instead, you typically affirm a statement or answer a question by repeating the main verb or adjective used in the question. 是 (shì) is primarily used to affirm questions involving the verb “to be” (是), or to confirm a general statement.
What does 是 (shì) mean?
是 (shì) means “yes” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “to be / is.”
When to use it
Neutral. When asked a question, the most common way to say “yes” is to repeat the verb or adjective from the question (e.g., if asked “你去吗?” (Do you go?), you’d say “去” (go)). 对 (duì) means “correct” and is often used as a general affirmative. 好的 (hǎo de) means “okay” or “alright” and is used to agree or confirm. 嗯 (èn/ng) is a casual “uh-huh” or acknowledgment.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “shirr” (like the beginning of “shirt”). It’s a falling tone (fourth tone).
Other ways to say it
- 对duìcorrect / right (often used as 'yes')
- 好的hǎo deokay / alright (used to agree)
- 嗯ńguh-huh / yes (casual acknowledgment)
Examples
你是学生吗？ 是。
nǐ shì xuésheng ma? Shì.
Are you a student? Yes, I am.
这个答案对吗？ 对。
zhège dá'àn duì ma? Duì.
Is this answer correct? Yes, it is.
我们明天早上八点见面，好的？ 好的。
wǒmen míngtiān zǎoshang bā diǎn jiànmiàn, hǎo de? Hǎo de.
We'll meet at 8 AM tomorrow, okay? Okay.
你有时间吗？ 有。
nǐ yǒu shíjiān ma? Yǒu.
Do you have time? Yes, I do. (Literally: Have.)
Pro tip: The biggest tip for 'yes' in Chinese is to avoid looking for a single equivalent. Instead, listen for the main verb or adjective in the question and repeat it to affirm. If the question uses 是, then 是 is your 'yes'!
Related phrases
不是 · No好的 · Ok我明白了 · I understand
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