是 is also the simplified spelling of 昰.
是
Meanings
- to be (followed by substantives only)
- correct; right; true
- (respectful acknowledgement of a command) very well
- (adverb for emphatic assertion)
Characters in this entry
- 是
- shì · indeed, yes, right; to be; demonstrative pronoun, this, that
Explore the spelling
Mandarin tones
4 · shi4
Compare attested words with these syllables ↗Dictionary tones. Connected speech can change their realization.
Connected dictionary
Sentences in context
Exact source-spelling matches. Open the reader for dictionary lookups, construction notes and related examples. Occurrence does not establish a particular dictionary sense.
Read this spelling in Classical texts
Follow a written form into the eight pinned witnesses: Analects, Mencius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Xunzi, Han Feizi, Sunzi and the Mao Shijing. A match is a place to investigate; it does not prove that a modern dictionary sense fits the passage.
Compare dictionary sources Rime · Wiktionary
Rime Cantonese 粵拼
si6
Cantonese word readings for 是. This lexicon supplies readings, not definitions.
CanCLID contributors · CC BY 4.0 · source & license · Data pack
Wiktionary English definitions · Chinese section
Independent source senses for this spelling, with usage labels retained. Not matched to the pronunciation above.
character
- (literary) this; this thing
- (literary) this; this thing — (literary, archaic) a pronoun that refers to an anteposed object of the verb, usually introduced by a topicalizer or constrative like 唯 in the form of 唯 …… 是 + V, adding emphasis to the object of the verb. Compare 之 (zhī), which as a pronoun can also refers to the topic as the object, and in earlier forms was also placed before the verb.
- (copulative) to be — indicating that the subject and object are the same.
- (copulative) to be — indicating that the subject has the qualities described by a noun or noun phrase.
- (copulative) to be — indicating a place being occupied by the object, where the place forms the subject.
- a particle emphasizing the word following it.
- a particle showing agreement. In this meaning, 是 is stressed. truly; indeed.
- a particle used in an alternative or a negative question
- (in affirmative answers) yes; right
- true; correct
- a surname
character
- (Northern Wu) Pronominal prefix
Source page · dump 2026-09-02 · Contributors & history
Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source & license · Data pack