是的

shì de
phrase★Beginner
◆ What It Really Means
Affirmation or agreement with a statement or question.
Literal Meaning
To be of (indicating affirmation).
Literal Breakdown
是to be+的of
◇ Mental Image
The phrase conveys a straightforward and polite affirmation, similar to saying 'yes' in English.
◈ When to Use
In a conversation, when someone asks if you have eaten, you can respond with '是的，我已经吃了' (Yes, I've already eaten).
◉ Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, '是的' is a common and polite way to affirm something, and it is used in both formal and informal settings.
formalinformal

Yes, that's correct; used to affirm or agree with a statement or question.

是的，我同意你的观点。

Yes, I agree with your opinion.

你吃饭了吗？是的，我已经吃了。

Have you eaten? Yes, I've already eaten.

💡

This phrase is a common affirmative response in Chinese, equivalent to 'yes' in English. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Collocations

是的，我同意Yes, I agree是的，我明白Yes, I understand

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

是的，我明白phrase
Yes, I understand
是的，我同意phrase
Yes, I agree

💡Pro Tip

Polite Affirmation

In Chinese, '是的' is a polite and neutral way to affirm something, similar to 'yes' in English. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

⚡Gold Rule

Neutral Affirmation

'是的' is a neutral and polite way to affirm something. It is equivalent to 'yes' in English and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

📖Word Origin

Composed of '是' (shì, meaning 'to be' or 'yes') and '的' (de, a particle used to form adjectives or indicate possession).

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It is a direct and polite way to affirm something.

Word Breakdown

是
to be, yes
root
+
的
particle used to form adjectives or indicate possession
particle
汉英词典