Character Familiestop / bottom

是shì

to be; yes (am/is/are); correct; right (是非); this; these (是日)

是 is the everyday to be — linking names and facts, and meaning right, not wrong.

GF0025–2021 character list · 一级
One character pageAll readings and linked senses stay together.

top / bottom

The modern form has 日 above a lower group consisting of a horizontal stroke over a foot-like form. The header connects the earlier form to 日 and 正; the separated pieces are a visual aid.

top / bottom · 是

WHOLE CHARACTER

是shì

to be; yes (am/is/are); correct; right (是非); this; these (是日)

是 is the everyday to be — linking names and facts, and meaning right, not wrong.

The modern form has 日 above a lower group consisting of a horizontal stroke over a foot-like form. The header connects the earlier form to 日 and 正; the separated pieces are a visual aid.

TOP SUN PIECE

日rì

sun; day

日 gives a sun/day/time clue in combined characters.

In 是: top sun piece Shown with its documented or clearly limited role.

LOWER GROUP (HORIZONTAL ABOVE THE FOOT-LIKE FORM)

Component group

Notice this part of the shape; it is not taught as a separate word in this lesson.

In 是: lower group (horizontal above the foot-like form) Shown with its documented or clearly limited role.

shìTone 4
  • to be; yes (am/is/are)
  • correct; right (是非)
  • this; these (是日)
  • 是的shìdeyes; that is correct
  • 是非shìfēiright and wrong

Checking for a Mandarin voice…