(shì bu shì) - is it or isn't it, right? in Mandarin

shìbushì

Traditional: 是不是

HSK 2

#225 of 5,000 Core 1000

Translation

is it or isn't it, right?

Word origin

A three-syllable A-not-A question pattern built from 是 (shì, to be), 不 (bù, not) and 是 (shì) again, literally 'is not is'. It works as a tag asking for confirmation, like 'right?' or 'isn't it?'.

Origin: compound
Root: 是 (shì, to be) + 不 (bù, not) + 是 (shì, to be)

Stroke order

是

不

是

Examples

？

Was it you who did it?

？

Did he come or not?

？

Is it too difficult?

？

Did you forget to bring the keys?

？

Is today Friday?

是不是 (shì bu shì) means is it or isn't it, right?. It is used as a other in everyday Mandarin speech.

Where this fits

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Used in

Stories

(1)

汤姆找路
5 min read · Core 5000

Grammar articles

(7)

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Mandarin · Free printables

是不是: worksheet, infographic and listicle

Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "是不是" (is it or isn't it, right?): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.

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This word is part of lesson 5.