Pattern
是 linking sentences
Identify people and things with Subject + 是 + Noun.
Identity
是 links a subject to a category or identity. It is not used before most adjectives.
我是学生。他是老师。这是中文书。
Think “identify/classify,” not English “to be” in every case.
Negation and questions
Negate with 不是 (bú shì). Ask with 是……吗？
Word order stays the same; only add 吗 or use 不是.
Short answers 是 / 不是 are common.
也 and contrast
也 means also: 我也是学生。
Contrast with 不是 for corrections: 不是咖啡，是茶。
Keep noun phrases after 是.
Common mistakes
Do not say 我是高兴 for “I am happy.” Use 我很高兴.
Do not drop 是 in beginner identity lines.
Do not use 是 for location—use 在.
Examples
I am a student.
This is a Chinese book.
He is not a teacher.
Are you American?
I am a student too.
She is my friend.
What is that?
It’s not mine.
Tips
- Negate with 不是.
- Ask with 是……吗？
- For adjectives, use 很 instead of 是.
- Use 在 for location, not 是.
Cloze drills
1. I am a teacher.
Full: 我是老师。
是
2. He is not a student.
Full: 他不是学生。
不是
3. Is this a book?
Full: 这是书吗？
是
4. I am also Chinese.
Full: 我也是中国人。
也是