The verb shì to be (4)

The copula shì to be does not have the same usage as the verb to be in English. (See the notes on stative verbs .) shì to be is used for linking two noun phrases. It indicates that the nouns linked by shì to be are of the same nature or quality. For instance

Xiăo Wáng shì Zhōngguó rén

Xiao Wang is Chinese.

(copula) 中国人 (qualified noun: formed by qualifier 中国 and noun)

Subject

Predicate

小王 (proper noun)

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How do you say the following sentences? Place the mouse on the following phrases to view the answers.

My older brother is a doctor. I am a student . My younger sister is a teacher.

Assignments.


Translate the following sentences into English and put into graphic analysis form (diagrammatic). (8, shi)

  1. 你妈妈是大夫吗?
  2. 王老师,你吸烟吗?
  3. 丁云是外语学院的学生。
  4. 学生不都学汉语。

Translate the following sentences into Chinese

  1. This is my mother.
  2. Wang Da is my friend.
  3. My mother is a doctor. Is your mother a doctor too?
  4. My mother isn't a doctor, she is a teacher
  5. Does your mother smoke?
  6. She doesn't smoke.