是…的
HSK 1- Emphasis
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Subject是[Emphasized element]Verb的
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 是…的 is used to emphasize the time, place, or manner of an action that has already occurred.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
Use the 是…的 structure when you want to emphasize a detail (time, place, manner, person performing the action, etc.) of an action that has already occurred. The listener already knows the action took place; you are simply providing more specific information.
In affirmative sentences, 是 may be omitted. However, in negative sentences (不是…的), 是 is obligatory.
Important note: 是 in this structure does not carry the meaning "to be." When translating into English, you should ignore this word so the sentence reads naturally.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 我是昨天来的。繁: 我是昨天來的。Wǒ shì zuótiān lái de.
I came yesterday.
- 你是在哪儿买的？繁: 你是在哪兒買的？Nǐ shì zài nǎr mǎi de?
Where did you buy it?
- 我们是坐飞机来的。繁: 我們是坐飛機來的。Wǒmen shì zuò fēijī lái de.
We came here by plane.
- 这本书是谁写的？繁: 這本書是誰寫的？Zhè běn shū shì shéi xiě de?
Who wrote this book?
- 他不是一个人去的。繁: 他不是一個人去的。Tā bú shì yí ge rén qù de.
He didn't go alone.