Shi and You in Chinese: Learn the Differences and Overlaps of 是 (shì) and 有 (yǒu)
Last updated: December 18, 2025
No matter which language you are learning, you can't escape these two basic concepts - one is about definition, and the other about possession.🧐 The same goes for learning Chinese! and are the twin pillars of basic expression, but here’s something I’ve learned: using them well is the difference between sounding like a tourist and thinking like a local. links identities in the world of definitions. asserts existence in the world of realities. Master their split, and you can start constructing Chinese thoughts from the ground up.
The core split of 是 and 有: “To be” is not “To have”
In English, we cram a universe of concepts into “is” and “has.” In Chinese, the border is strict and philosophical.
- In Mandarin, deals with equivalence, definition, and category. It’s the verb of logic, drawing a clear equals sign between two things. The truth is, answers the question “What is it?”
He is a doctor.
This is my book. -
, on the other hand, is the verb of existence, possession, and experience. It doesn’t define what something is; it confirms that something exists or is present within a scope. So far as meaning is concerned,
answers “Is there?” or “Do you have?”
I have a book.
In the room, there is a table.
Today there is a lot of work.
The classic mistake? Trying to use for existence. You cannot say for “The book is on the table.” That’s trying to define the book as the table, which is nonsense. The book exists on the table: This split — definition versus existence — is your foundational rule. Get this wrong, and your sentences will not make sense to a native ear.
How to use 是 (shì) in Mandarin Chinese Language?
We think we know , but it is actually one of the most flexibly used verbs in Chinese grammar.
-
is used for noun-to-noun links:
。
Beijing is China’s capital. - It’s also used with demonstratives () and possessive words () to make firm identifications:
。
That is my car. -
is
almost never used with adjectives
. This is the golden rule. In English, we say “He is tall.” In Chinese, linking a subject directly to a descriptive quality doesn’t require the “is” bridge. You simply use a particle like
or
to indicate the degree before the adjectives:
He is tall. - The exception that proves the rule? When you are contrasting or emphasizing the adjective itself, often in responses. For example:
He IS tall, but he’s not strong.
How to express possession using 有 (yǒu)?
Compared to , is easier for learners to understand its usages in Chinese learning.
- You can use to cover possession:
。
I have money. - It effortlessly expresses existence:
。
There exists a problem ahead. - More importantly, is the verb for experiencing and measuring. It’s used to talk about age, and to describe abstract, experiential qualities. Notice the pattern:
。
She has much patience / She is very patient.
。
This plan has risk / This plan is risky.
。
He has much experience / He is very experienced.
See what’s happening?
Subject. + 有 + Noun is a primary way to express having a quality.
The noun is often an abstract one (). This is a cornerstone of descriptive Chinese. You’re not saying she “is patience,” you’re saying she “possesses” or “contains” patience as a trait. This mindset—framing traits as possessions—is key to thinking in Chinese.
Are there overlaps in terms of usage?
Are there overlaps? Of course. Language is messy. The fascinating gray area appears in measurements and descriptions. Sometimes, you can use either verb, but the focus shifts slightly.
Sentence 1 vs. Sentence 2:
This river is ten meters deep.-
。
This river has a depth of ten meters.
Sentence 1 with is a definitive statement of fact. It’s presenting the measurement as the river’s defining characteristic in this context. Sentence 2 with feels more like reporting an observed property. It’s emphasizing the possession of that specific depth. The difference is subtle, but the first is more categorical (“It is this.”), and the second is more experiential (“It has this.”).
The ultimate power move is mastering their negative forms. This isn’t just about saying “isn’t” or “don’t have.” It’s about negation with precision.
-
denies identity or category:
。
He is not a student. -
denies existence, possession, or past experience:
。
He does not have money.
。
I did not go yesterday.
This grammar point is also related to the usage of 不 and 没. is also the standard negator for past actions “did not”. This connects back to its core meaning of “to not have/exist.” The action of “going” simply did not exist in the past.
Learn Chinese difference between 是 and 有, and exercise with Migaku
Sole reliance on textbooks is the first step for the basics, but there are many exceptions and unique cases as well. Migaku app can help you make full use of media resources to learn Chinese grammar and generate Chinese subtitles even when the video does not feature any. For example, Migaku app can generate subtitles for this cut from Story of Yanxi Palace with the English translation. You can also click the words or sentences to add them to your flashcard collections and review them later. It can assist you with collecting different usages of and in real-life contexts.
- Switch on YouTube and search for Chinese videos with the app.
- Click "Watch with Migaku", and the magic wand at the lower right corner to generate Chinese subtitles.
- Click on the new words or sentences in each subtitle and generate flashcards!
FAQs
Honestly, 是 vs 有 marks a major change of mindset from the English grammar...
So, in most cases, you can just translate "is" to and "have" to . However, to fully master all the nuances, ask yourself: Am I defining or am I asserting existence/possession? Is this a permanent identity or a measurable experience? Ponder how the native speakers use these two characters in media resources and in real life, and slowly build up your understanding!
If you consume media in Chinese, and you understand at least some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will make progress. Period.
You are the best!