There are many ways to explain why you are doing something or
what's the use of things. This article will explain another way to
do that, and it just happens to involve "是⋯⋯的." This isn't to say
that you can't make these sentences without using "是" and "的" but
this can help emphasize why you are doing something or what's the
use of thing, giving your sentence a little more kick.
When the subject is a
person
Structure
If the subject is a person, there is often a "来" or "去" after
the "是," indicating direction like "coming here" or "going
there."
Person + 是 + 来 / 去 + Verb Phrase + 的
Examples
- 我们 都 是 来 做 生意 的。Wǒmen dōu shì lái zuò shēngyi
de.We are all here doing
business.
- 我 是 来 上海 旅游 的。Wǒ shì lái Shànghǎi lǚyóu
de.I came to Shanghai to
travel.
- 他们 都 是 来 实习 的。Tāmen dōu shì lái shíxí
de.They all came here to do an
internship.
- 你 真的 是 来 帮 我们的 吗？
Nǐ zhēnde shì lái
bāng wǒmen de ma?Are you here
to help us? Really?
- 你 要 记住，你 是 去 学习 的，不
是 去 玩 的。Nǐ
yào jìzhù, nǐ shì qù xuéxí de,
bùshì qù wán de.You need to remember, you went (to school) to study, not to
hang out with people.
When the subject is a
thing
Structure
If the subject is a thing, "用来" is often used. Look at the
examples below for some more clarification.
Thing + 是 + 用来 + Obj Verb Phrase + 的
Thing + 是 + 给 + Obj.＋Verb Phrase + 的
Examples
- 钱 是 用来 花 的。Qián shì yònglái huā
de.Money is for
spending.
- 这 种 菜 是 用来 做 汤
的。Zhè zhǒng cài shì
yònglái zuò tāng de.This kind of vegetable is for making soup.
- 这 种 车 是 用来 搬家 的。Zhè zhǒng chē shì yònglái
bānjiāde.This kind of car is
for moving.
- 这 个 房间 是 给 客人 住
的。Zhège fángjiān shì
gěi kèrén zhù de.This room is for our guest to live in.
- 这些 钱 是 给孩子 上 大学 的。
zhèxiē qián shì gěi
háizi shàng dàxué de.This money
is for our children going to college.
See Also
Category:Structures