Common Meanings
1
shì是
Used to indicate explanation or classification, equivalent to 'to be' in English. For example, 'He is a worker' or 'The author of 'The True Story of Ah Q' is Lu Xun.'
他是一名优秀的老师。
He is an excellent teacher.
To indicate a state of being full of or covered with something, implying abundance or pervasive presence.
地上是落叶。
The ground is covered with fallen leaves.
Used to concede a point or acknowledge something as true, usually followed by a contrasting or qualifying statement (similar to 'while it is true that...' or 'although...').
这件衣服是好看，就是有点贵。
This outfit is nice, it's just a bit expensive.
To indicate suitability or timeliness; to be the right or appropriate moment/condition.
我们到的是时候，正好赶上好天气
We arrived at just the right time, catching the good weather.
To indicate 'any' or 'every', often implying inclusiveness or universality.
是好事他都喜欢做。
He likes to do any good deed.
Used in questions to confirm a fact or state, often implying "Is it that...?" or "Are you...?"
你是不是觉得有点累？
Are you feeling a bit tired?
Used to add emphasis to a statement, conveying meanings like 'indeed', 'really', or 'certainly'.
这个菜是好吃！
This dish is indeed delicious!
Right, reasonable, correct; opposite of 'wrong'.
他说的完全是事实。
What he said is completely true.
To consider as correct or right; to approve of; truth or what is right (often in idioms).
工作中，我们应该实事求是，不要浮夸。
In our work, we should seek truth from facts and avoid exaggeration.
Yes, indicating agreement or affirmation (when '是' is said alone).
是，没问题
Yes, no problem.
This, such; indicating proximity or reference to something mentioned.
是间店铺，口碑极好
This shop has an excellent reputation.
An auxiliary word used to place the object of an action before the verb, emphasizing that only this specific object is involved, often implying 'only... is sought/done'.
我们公司在招聘时，始终坚持惟才是举
Our company always upholds the principle of appointing people based solely on their ability during recruitment.