Yes, in Chinese – A Closer Look

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One of the first things most learners encounter when they start learning Chinese is that there’s no single word to express “yes.” Luckily, there are several ways to say yes in Chinese.

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Shi de () is a variation of shi that sounds more formal and polite, often used when a subordinate wants to respond affirmatively to a manager, supervisor, or someone in a higher position.

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Shi

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While English is straightforward in responding to a question with a “yes,” learning how to say yes in Chinese isn’t quite as simple. There are many ways to agree in Chinese, and it’s essential to understand which is most appropriate for each situation.

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The most basic way to say yes in Chinese is to repeat the keyword of the question that you’re answering. This method is excellent for beginners with a limited Chinese vocabulary, as it only requires them to know the meaning of a few basic verbs and adjectives.

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Other ways to say yes in Chinese include using De (de) or modal particles like Ya (ya), Ba (ba), and Ni (ni). These options allow you to express your agreement with more emotion and are perfect for more casual conversations. For example, if someone asks you to go camping this weekend, you can respond with (“ni hua”) or (“ni shi”). Both of these expressions mean that you’re excited to go camping. However, if you’re hesitant about going camping, you could also use (“ba ba”) to express that you’re not convinced of the idea.

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Dui

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One thing that seems to trip up native English speakers a lot when learning Chinese is the difference between Dui and Gen. These two prepositions don’t seem to match any of the ones we have in our language, but they do a lot of work in controlling the meaning of verb phrases.

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Dui usually means “with,” whereas Gen implies more of a two-way relationship. So, for example, if someone says to you, “Ni shi yue chusheng ma?” it would mean that they are confirming their agreement with you. But if someone told you, “Zhe shi ni de shouji ma?” it would mean they disagree.

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Certain verbs are often paired with Dui, such as Dui you xing qu (“to have an interest in”) or Dui bu qi (“to feel guilty”). So, if you knocked over your friend’s coffee table and they asked you to apologize, you could say “Dui bu qi” to express that. It’s a very polite and modest way of saying sorry!

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Mei Cuo

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Mei cuo is another way to say yes in Chinese. It means the same as “yes” in English but is used more formally to show agreement or verification. It is often combined with dui (dui ) as it means both “correct” and “yes.” Dui and Mei cuo together mean “that’s right,” they are instrumental in confirming information or showing agreement.

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In addition to shi and dui, other words that can indicate a yes are A and Ba (a and b). A is the most informal and commonly used word for yes. It is often combined with a tone modifier such as Ni or Ya to make it more friendly and casual.

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While it may seem overwhelming to learn all these different ways to say yes in Chinese, remember that with practice, you’ll soon be able to respond confidently in any situation. Watching Chinese TV shows and talking to native speakers are also great ways to get a feel for which phrases are most natural in specific contexts.

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Shou Dao

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The meaning of yes in Chinese is more complex than “yes” or “no.” Each syllable can have different meanings depending on context and tone. For example, the character shou () means perseverance and tenacity in facing challenges. It also has moral connotations and refers to a person who is steady, stable, and not easily raffled by exterior events or temptations.

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The short film Gong Shou Dao (GSD) features Jet Li and other kung fu icons, including Yuen Woo Ping, Sammo Hung, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Tony Jaa, Donnie Yen and boxer Zou Shiming and sumo wrestler Asashoryu Akinor. GSD celebrates Chinese culture, martial arts, and the power of taiji’s emphasis on harmony and balance.

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The nandao is one of several polearms that feature a single-edged blade. The dao is also used in the names of various swords, including the pudao and guandao. It is also the name of a weapon commonly used in theater and street demonstrations called the nine-ringed broadsword. It may also be found in some films and television shows, including the pig-themed alien warrior from Power Rangers: Ninja Storm and Chow Yun-fat’s pirate lord Sao Feng on Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.

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Ming Bai

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One of the most important things to learn when starting with any language is saying yes and no. In Chinese, this can be more complicated than in other languages because there are many different ways to show affirmation. Some of these are more specific than others, and context is critical to ensure your meaning is clear.

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Two of the most common ways to show affirmation in Chinese are Dui and Mei Cuo. These both mean that you agree with what someone else said. They are also often used when you’re responding to a question. For example, if someone says, “Do you like spicy food?” you might respond with, “Dui, mei cuo.”

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These different ways to say yes may seem overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, they’ll become accurate, simple vocabulary for you to use in conversations. So don’t be afraid to go out and practice with some native speakers. You never know — maybe they’ll even teach you some new words!

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