Answers
Nov 15, 2007 - 08:40 AM
One of the closest translations and uses of shì is "be". The term can also be used to construct affirmative statements, as in English you could use "are" (which comes from "to be") to say yes in response to questions (for example, to the question "Are they there?", you could answer in the affirmative by saying, "They are.")In regards to "shì Kim," the construction Ni3 shì Kim, Wo3 shì Ben, etc. is one of the common and basic ones in Mandarin Chinese.
Sep 11, 2011 - 03:13 AM
Hey Sonia. I also have a question with the use of shì. In session 7 and below we say things like "kāfēi hǎo ma?" but in session 8 we say "tā shì Kim ma?" Why do we use the literal translation of "coffee good?" instead of "coffee is good?" as we do with "she is Kim?"
Thanks. I've really been enjoying the software!
Thanks. I've really been enjoying the software!
Oct 02, 2011 - 11:05 PM
The "shì" is omitted when the predicate is an adjective, as in "kāfēi hěn hǎo." Since "Kim" is a noun, the "shì" is required in "tā shì Kim."
Dec 26, 2013 - 06:56 PM
Hi Sonia. Is the "I" in this verb pronounced like "ir"? If i understand, I need to place my tongue vertical while saying the entire word. Please let me know if this is correct. If it isn't, what do I change? Thank you!