How to say “yes” in Chinese
Pinyin colour key: tone 1 (high flat), tone 2 (rising), tone 3 (dipping), tone 4 (falling), neutral.
Word by word
Tone tip
Chinese has no single word for 'yes'. You usually answer with the verb of the question. 是 (shì, a sharp fourth tone) works for 'is/am/are' questions; 对 (duì) means 'correct'.
In a sentence
「你是学生吗？」「是。」
“Nǐ shì xuésheng ma?” “Shì.”
“Are you a student?” “Yes.”
Hear it and say it right
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Start freeFrequently asked questions
How do you say "yes" in Chinese?+
"yes" in Mandarin Chinese is 是, pronounced shì. Chinese has no single word for 'yes'. You usually answer with the verb of the question. 是 (shì, a sharp fourth tone) works for 'is/am/are' questions; 对 (duì) means 'correct'.
What does 是 mean literally?+
是 breaks down as 是 (shì) = to be / yes. Together it means "yes".
How do I get the tones right in shì?+
Chinese has no single word for 'yes'. You usually answer with the verb of the question. 是 (shì, a sharp fourth tone) works for 'is/am/are' questions; 对 (duì) means 'correct'.
More phrases like this
Master the tones behind it
What each tone sounds like and why it matters.
Why some tones change in connected speech.
See all the phrases on the how to say things in Chinese index.