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是不是

HSK 2
  • Questions

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Clause, 是不是? or Subject是不是Predicate?

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

The structure 是不是 is used to ask for confirmation of information, equivalent to 'is it or isn't it?' in English.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

是不是 is a way to ask for confirmation, similar to "isn't it?" or "right?" in English. Using this structure feels more natural and conversational than using 吗.

You can place 是不是 at the end of a sentence to confirm the entire proposition, or place it directly before a verb/adjective to ask specifically about that action or state. When answering, simply use 是 (yes/correct) or 不是 (no/incorrect).

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 你喜欢他，是不是？
    繁: 你喜歡他，是不是？Nǐ xǐhuān tā, shì bu shì?

    You like him, don't you?

  2. 你是不是忘了带钱包？
    繁: 你是不是忘了帶錢包？Nǐ shì bu shì wàng le dài qiánbāo?

    Did you forget to bring your wallet?

  3. 他是不是很高兴？
    繁: 他是不是很高興？Tā shì bu shì hěn gāoxìng?

    Is he very happy?

  4. 明天放假，是不是？
    Míngtiān fàngjià, shì bu shì?

    Tomorrow is a holiday, isn't it?

  5. 你是不是还没吃饭？
    繁: 你是不是還沒吃飯？Nǐ shì bu shì hái méi chīfàn?

    Haven't you eaten yet?

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:你是不是学生吗？
    Correct:你是不是学生？

    是不是 and 吗 are both used for asking questions and cannot be used together in the same sentence; choose one or the other.

  • Wrong:你忘了是不是带钱包？
    Correct:你是不是忘了带钱包？

    When asking about an action, 是不是 must stand immediately before the verb (忘了), not after it.