Grammar

PCR Lesson 4 Grammar
第四課:這是我朋友
  • Demonstrative 這 [zhè]: this:
    Used like 'this' in English, but for now we will use it only by itself and not with nouns. We will say things like, "This is my book." and not "This book is mine."
    這是我哥哥。
    這是我弟弟。
    這是我爸爸。
    這是我朋友。
  • Verb 是 [shiì]: to be :
    Noun Phrase + 是 + Noun Phrase

    The verb 是 joins two noun phrases, identifying a relationship between the two.

    Don't be tempted to use 是 with an adjective in a descriptive sentence. Adjectives in Mandarin are full predicates, and as such do not require the verb 'to be'. Remember we call them stative verbs or adjectival predicates.

    Use 不是 to negate a 是 sentence.

    我媽媽是他朋友。
    你弟弟也是我朋友。
    他不是我哥哥。
  • Identifying People Using 這是:
    這是 is a simple way to identify a person or thing, or to introduce someone.
    這是我爸爸。
    這是我媽媽。
    這是我朋友。