Definition
是不是 is a fixed affirmative-negative question pattern formed by the verb 是 (to be) in its positive and negative forms. It functions as a tag question at the end of a statement to seek confirmation ('...right?', '...isn't it?'), or as a conjunction in the middle of a sentence to express 'whether or not'. It can also form a direct yes-no question when placed after a subject.
v.p.
(question tag) right?isn't it? (used at the end of a statement to seek confirmation)(question particle) used to form a yes-no question (placed after the subject)
conjunction
whether or not (used to introduce an indirect question or choice)
Examples
- ，是不是？Nǐ shì lǎoshī, shì bù shì?You are a teacher, right?
- 是不是。Wǒ bù zhīdào tā shì bù shì tóngyì.I don't know whether he agrees or not.
- 是不是？Nǐ shì bù shì xǐhuan chī là de?Do you like spicy food or not?
Grammar
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