Subject + 是 + Noun
This is the most basic sentence in Chinese — 'A is B.' Use 是 (shì) to identify or define one noun as another: a name, a profession, a nationality, a category. The subject sits first, 是 links it, and the noun follows. That's the whole pattern. Works for facts, introductions, descriptions of identity. Crucial point: 是 connects nouns to nouns. It does NOT come before adjectives — use 很 for those.
Structure
[SUBJECT] 是 [NOUN]
[SUBJECT] shì [NOUN]
How to Think About It
是 is for identity, not description. 'He is a teacher' = 他是老师 (noun) → 是. 'He is tall' = 他很高 (adjective) → 很. The rule is simple: if the second slot is a thing (老师, 中国人, 苹果), use 是. If it's a quality (高, 累, 漂亮), use 很. Mixing the two is the most common beginner error, and unlearning it takes most learners several months.
Examples
我是学生。
Wǒ shì xuésheng.
I am a student.
他是我哥哥。
Tā shì wǒ gēge.
He is my older brother.
这是一本书。
Zhè shì yì běn shū.
This is a book.
Common Mistake
Learners use 是 with adjectives, copying English 'is + adjective.' Chinese treats adjectives as their own verbs — they don't need 是. Use 很 (or another adverb) instead.
她是漂亮。
她很漂亮。
Don't Confuse With
很 + Adjective
Use 很 (not 是) when the second slot is an adjective. 是 = noun; 很 = adjective. This is the line.
Subject + 在 + Place
Use 在 for location, not 是. '他在家' (he's at home), not '他是在家.'
Subject + 有 + Object
Use 有 for possession or existence ('I have a dog'). 是 is identity. '我是一只狗' would mean 'I am a dog,' not 'I have a dog.'
Practice
我 ___ 美国人。
Show answer
是
他 是 ___。 (doctor)
Show answer
医生
Arrange: 老师 / 我的 / 中国人 / 是
Show answer
我的老师是中国人。
She is my friend.
Show answer
她是我的朋友。
Write one sentence introducing yourself using 是.
Show answer
我是一名工程师，也是一个爸爸。
Hear It in Real Episodes
This pattern appears in 4 Fluentide episodes:
Related Grammar Patterns
Acquire by listening
Hear Subject + 是 + Noun in real Chinese, not in a textbook.
Fluentide picks the next news episode at your level, so this pattern shows up again and again in real context. The transcript marks it, the audio drills it. Free to start, no card.