HSK 1
S 是 MANNER V 的
S shì MANNER V de
it is MANNER that S V
Structure
Subject + 是 + Manner/Time/Place + Verb + 的
How it works
This structure is used to emphasize the manner, time, or place of an action that has already occurred. It focuses on 'how' something happened rather than 'what' happened. In many cases, the word 'shì' (是) can be omitted in affirmative sentences, but 'de' (的) must remain at the end.
Examples
我们是开车来的。
Wǒmen shì kāichē lái de.
We came by car.
我是坐飞机去北京的。
Wǒ shì zuò fēijī qù Běijīng de.
I went to Beijing by plane.
你也是走路来的吗？
Nǐ yěshì zǒulù lái de ma?
Did you also come by walking?
Common mistakes
Using this structure for future events; it is only used for completed actions or past events.
Tip
To make a negative sentence, you must include 'bù' before 'shì' (不是...的), and in this case, 'shì' cannot be omitted.
More HSK 1 grammar
See S 是 MANNER V 的 in real Chinese
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