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HSK 2.0 Level 3+ HSK 3.0 Level 3+ 6 min read

是...的 for Sure, Firm Opinions

Wrap a judgment in 是…的 to make it sound sure and convincing: 这个问题是可以解决的 “This problem can definitely be solved.”

Pattern

subject + 是 + judgment (能/会/可以/应该 + verb, or adjective) + 的

是…的 around a judgment makes it firm and reassuring: “it really is so.”

别担心，这个问题是可以解决的。

When to use 是...的 for Sure, Firm Opinions

Besides pointing to the time, place or way of a past event, 是…的 has a second job: it frames the speaker’s opinion or attitude and makes it sound sure, as if to say “believe me, it really is so.” Put 是 before the judgment and 的 at the end of it: 这个问题是可以解决的 “This problem can be solved, for sure.” The judgment is often a modal verb + verb (能/会/可以/应该…), or an adjective phrase: 这样做是不对的 “Doing it this way is wrong.” Without 是…的 the sentence means about the same, but sounds less firm. The time can be past, present or future.

你放心，他是不会忘的。

Don’t worry, he definitely won’t forget.

每天练习，汉语是能学好的。

If you practise every day, you really can learn Chinese well.

这样做是不对的。

Doing it this way is wrong.

我是很喜欢这个城市的。

I really do like this city.

Common traps

  • Don’t drop 的 at the end: 他是不会忘的, not 他是不会忘.
  • Put the negative inside the frame: 是不会…的, not 不是会…的.
  • This 是…的 isn’t only for the past: 他是不会来的 is about the future.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

这样做 不对的

Doing it this way is wrong
Fill in the missing piece, then press Enter

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