This Is in Chinese Explained: Structure, Usage, HSK

This is in Chinese is expressed using the structure 这是 (zhè shì), which is commonly used to introduce people, objects, or ideas. This guide explains how 这是 works, correct word order, differences between 这是 and 那是, and how this structure appears in HSK exams for beginners.

I. What Does “This is” Mean in Chinese?

In English, “this is” is a basic sentence opener used to point out or present something—for example: “This is my name,” “This is a book.” In Chinese, the equivalent structure is also simple and direct: 这是 (zhè shì).

The structure combines two essential components:

• 这 (zhè) which means “this”

• 是 (shì) which means “is”

Together, 这是 literally translates as “this is.”

This phrase is commonly used to introduce:

• Objects

• People

• Personal information

• New ideas or topics in conversation or writing

For example:

• 这是我的手机。
  This is my phone.

• 这是我老师。
  This is my teacher.

是 is known as a linking verb in Chinese. Unlike many action verbs, it doesn’t indicate a physical action. Instead, it links a subject to its identity, category, or description—similar to “is/are/am” in English.

However, 是 is not always required in Chinese sentence structures. It is generally used in noun–noun sentences, such as when identifying or defining a subject:

• 他是学生。 (He is a student.)
  But it would not be used when connecting a subject to adjectives:

• 他高。 (He is tall.) → no 是 needed.

In the case of 这是, the structure fits into the rule of noun–noun, so 是 plays a linking role between “this” and whatever is being introduced.

1. Sentence Structure and Usage of “This Is” (这是) in Chinese

The Chinese phrase “this is” is expressed as 这是 (zhè shì). It follows a clear and simple structure:

Structure:

这是 + noun / noun phrase
("This is + something")

This sentence pattern is used to present or introduce a person, object, place, or idea—making it one of the most essential sentence types for beginners.

Basic Usage Examples

• 这是我的书。
  This is my book.

• 这是我妈妈。
  This is my mom.

• 这是学校的地图。
  This is the school map.

Negative Form: Saying “This Is Not…”

To say “this is not...,” insert the negative adverb 不 (bù) before 是.

• 这不是我的手机。
  This is not my phone.

• 这不是老师的名字。
  This is not the teacher’s name.

Using Modifiers and Ownership

You can expand 这是-sentences by including:

• Possessive pronouns: 我的 (my), 你的 (your)

• Adjectives: 新的 (new), 旧的 (old), 漂亮的 (beautiful)

• Measure word + noun: 一本书 (a book), 一台电脑 (a computer)

Examples:

• 这是我的新手机。
  This is my new phone.

• 这是一本中文书。
  This is a Chinese book.

Turning It into a Question

• 这是什么？
  What is this?

• 这是你的铅笔吗？
  Is this your pencil?

These forms allow you to confirm, inquire, or clarify what something is using simple question structures.

2. “This Is” vs “That Is” in Chinese

In Chinese, the difference between “this is” and “that is” comes down to the demonstrative word:

• 这 (zhè) means “this” (used for things near the speaker)

• 那 (nà) means “that” (used for things farther away from the speaker)

• Both are followed by 是 (shì) to form complete identifying statements:

  • 这是 = this is

  • 那是 = that is

When to Use 这是 vs 那是

Comparison Examples in Context

• 这是我的笔。
  This is my pen.

• 那是他的铅笔。
  That is his pencil.

• 这是我朋友李明。
  This is my friend Li Ming.

• 那是我们中文老师。
  That is our Chinese teacher.

Chinese demonstratives (这 vs 那) are purely spatial/logical, not grammatical. If you're pointing to something in your hand or just picked it up, use 这是. If you're referring to something across the room or mentioned earlier in conversation, use 那是.

II. “This Is” in HSK and Chinese Exams

The phrase “this is”—written as 这是 (zhè shì) in Chinese—is one of the earliest grammar structures students encounter when starting Mandarin. Unsurprisingly, it appears frequently in beginner-level Chinese exams, including HSK Level 1 and Level 2, as well as in actual sentence tasks within listening and reading sections.

Common Appearances in HSK Vocabulary

The individual characters 这 and 是 are both listed in the official HSK 1 vocabulary list, and students are expected to be able to recognize and use 这是 as a complete phrase by early in their learning.

Examples in the HSK vocabulary:

How “This Is” Is Tested in HSK

1. Listening Section

You may hear phrases like:

• 这是我的房间。
  This is my room.

• 这是我们的老师。
  This is our teacher.

Question types may include:

• Choosing the correct picture based on what is said

• Identifying subjects or objects of a conversation

2. Reading Section

You may be tested on:

• Matching a sentence with the correct English translation

• Filling in missing parts of a sentence

• Understanding context with 这是 used to introduce a new concept

Example:

• 这是我的猫，它很小。
  This is my cat. It’s very small.

3. Writing Section (HSK 1–2)

Tasks may include:

• Using 这是 to make a sentence with given words

• Arranging a sentence in correct grammatical order

Example prompt:
Words given → 是 / 这是 / 我的 / 名字
Answer: 这是我的名字。

Understanding how 这是 is used not just as vocabulary but as a structural foundation will help learners prepare more confidently for HSK exams—and also improve fluency in introducing ideas or objects in real conversations.

Above is the full guide by PREP on how to say and use “this is” in Chinese—from understanding the 这是 structure to building real sentences and recognizing it in the HSK exam. We hope it helps you speak with confidence from Day 1. Keep learning with PREP and turn simple phrases into solid fluency.