Definitions
(verb)
to be; is; are; am
(particle)
yes; correct; right
Etymology
Origin unclear. The bottom component 止 represents the sound.
About
The character "是" originates from a conceptual blend of the sun (日) and the element for correctness (正), creating a representation of direct sunlight that implied alignment and truth. Initially, it functioned as a demonstrative meaning "this" or an adjective denoting "right" or "correct", with its usage in classical texts often affirming validity or pointing to specific entities. Over time, its role gradually shifted from a lexical word indicating truth to a grammatical particle used for affirmation, and eventually it became the primary copula verb in modern Mandarin, essential for constructing equational sentences. Its structural composition has remained consistent, with the components 日 and 正 still integral, reflecting the character's etymological connection to notions of solar reference and straightforwardness.
Example Sentences Hide
这是我的书。
他是我的爸爸。
北京是中国的首都。
学习是很重要的。
她是我最好的朋友。
这本书是很有趣的。
我们的目标是赢得比赛。
他之所以成功是因为努力。