不是
不not是be=is not or am not
是
是 (shì) Chinese Character: to be, yes
Use 是 to connect an identity: A 是 B — “A is B.”
Practice 是 in the interactive lessonChinese character story: From “Correct” to “To Be”
是 (shì) is the basic Chinese word for identifying something: 我是学生, “I am a student.” Its older meanings were connected with “right” or “correct,” and over time it became the everyday linking word translated as “am,” “is,” or “are.” It can also stand alone as “yes.”
🧩 Word buildingSee what every part contributes
Chinese words often combine short meaning clues. Fixed expressions are clearly marked so you do not translate them too literally.
也是
也also是be=also is or also am
Chinese character origin and etymology
是 is documented as a character built from meaningful or phonetic parts. Its earlier written forms gradually became the regular-script shape used today.
In modern simplified Chinese, 是 is written with 9 strokes. This lesson separates documented shape history from the memory story so learners do not mistake a mnemonic for a historical claim. 是 contains 日 and 疋. These parts act like clues: a component may suggest a meaning category, a pronunciation, or simply preserve part of the character's historical structure.
Chinese character stroke order and structure
是 is written with 9 strokes. Learn the complete stroke sequence in the interactive lesson, then write the character from memory before checking your answer.
- 日 — sun component in the modern top
- 疋 — lower component; do not read the modern meaning as a simple picture equation
Common usage and sentence patterns
The examples below show 是 in complete beginner-friendly sentences. Read each sentence aloud, notice where the character appears, and then replace one noun or number to create a new sentence of your own.
我是学生。
I am a student.
这是我的书。
This is my book.
是，我明白了。
Yes, I understand.
Learning tips for 是
Learn the reading as one unit: shì, with the fourth tone: a sharp fall. Avoid memorizing the letters without the tone mark. Say the syllable, recall the English meaning “to be, yes,” and write the 9 strokes from memory.
Because 是 contains reusable components, identify those clues before memorizing the whole shape. Compare it with 日 (rì, sun — visible at the top); 不 (bù, not — 不 plus 是 makes 不是); 这 (zhè, this — often used in 这是). Similar characters are easier to remember when their different parts and meanings are studied side by side.
Quick review checklist
- Can you recognize 是 without pinyin?
- Can you say shì with the correct tone and explain “to be, yes”?
- Can you write all 9 strokes in order?
- Can you use 是 in one short sentence?
Related characters
Learn 是 in a themed collection
Compare this character with related beginner words. A themed path helps you notice useful pairs, word-building patterns, and everyday contexts.
Continue learning Chinese characters
Use the Chinese radicals and components guide to understand reusable parts, the stroke order guide to improve handwriting, and the HSK 1 character overview to choose your next beginner lesson.
Sources and editorial note
HanziStory separates documented character history from modern memory stories. Historical-form images are shown only when a matching source file is available; missing stages are skipped rather than invented. Stroke practice uses HanziWriter data.
Last updated: August 12, 2026. Read our sources, editorial method, and correction policy.