How to Say Yes in Chinese
Learn how to say yes in Chinese. There's no single word for 'yes' — '是' (Shì), '对' (Duì), and '好' (Hǎo) each fit different questions. Pronunciation guide + how 'yes' really works.
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Quick answer
Mandarin Chinese has no single word for 'yes' — you answer using the verb of the question. '是' (Shì, shir) = 'it is / yes' (for 'to be' questions). '对' (Duì, dway) = 'correct / right.' '好' (Hǎo, how) = 'good / okay' (for suggestions). Often you simply repeat the verb to mean 'yes.' '对' (correct) is the most versatile general 'yes.'
是
/shir/ — Chinese
How to Say Yes in Chinese
Here’s something that surprises every learner: Mandarin has no single word for “yes.” Instead, the way you say “yes” depends on what you’re being asked.
The “Echo the Verb” System
In Chinese, you usually answer a yes/no question by repeating its verb in the affirmative:
| Question | Affirmative answer (“yes”) |
|---|---|
| 你是学生吗? (Are you a student?) | 是 (shì — [I] am) |
| 你要吗? (Do you want it?) | 要 (yào — [I] want) |
| 你喜欢吗? (Do you like it?) | 喜欢 (xǐhuan — [I] like) |
| 你去吗? (Are you going?) | 去 (qù — [I] go) |
This verb-echo replaces a generic “yes.”
The Three Main “Yes” Words
When you do need a general affirmative:
| Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 是 | Shì | shir | ”It is / yes” (facts, ‘to be’ questions) |
| 对 | Duì | dway | ”Correct / right” (most versatile yes) |
| 好 | Hǎo | how | ”Good / okay” (agreeing to suggestions) |
Copy the Phrase
The Chinese word closest to “yes” is 是 (Shì, shir) for facts — or 对 (Duì, dway) as a general “correct/yes.”
Choosing the Right One
- 是 (Shì) — answers “to be” questions and affirms identity/facts: “Are you…?” → “Shì.”
- 对 (Duì) — “correct/right”; the most versatile general “yes,” confirming or agreeing
- 好 (Hǎo) — “good/okay”; agreeing to a suggestion or request: “Let’s go” → “Hǎo” (okay)
“Duì duì duì!” — Enthusiastic Agreement
A very natural conversational habit: Chinese speakers often say 对对对 (Duì duì duì — “right right right”) to eagerly agree, like “yes, exactly!” Repeating 对 is common and friendly.
Also common: 是的 (Shì de) — a softer “yes / that’s so.”
Pronunciation Notes
- Shì — “shir” (the ‘i’ after sh/zh/ch/r is a buzzy sound, not “ee”); falling 4th tone
- Duì — “dway”; 4th tone
- Hǎo — “how”; dipping 3rd tone
Quick Reference
| Situation | Say |
|---|---|
| Confirming a fact / “are you…?” | 是 (Shì) |
| General “yes / correct” | 对 (Duì) |
| Agreeing to a suggestion | 好 (Hǎo) |
| Enthusiastic “yes, exactly!” | 对对对 (Duì duì duì) |
| Answering a verb question | Repeat the verb |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no word for 'yes' in Chinese?
Mandarin doesn't have a single all-purpose 'yes' like English. Instead, you typically answer a question by repeating its verb in the affirmative. If asked '你是学生吗?' (Are you a student?), you answer '是' (shì — [I] am). If asked '你要吗?' (Do you want it?), you answer '要' (yào — [I] want). This 'echo the verb' system replaces a generic 'yes.' The closest general-purpose affirmatives are '对' (correct) and '是' (it is).
What is the difference between Shì, Duì, and Hǎo?
'是' (Shì, shir) = 'to be / it is' — answers 'to be' questions and affirms identity/facts ('Are you...?' → 'Shì'). '对' (Duì, dway) = 'correct/right' — the most versatile general 'yes,' confirming something is true or agreeing. '好' (Hǎo, how) = 'good/okay' — agreeing to a suggestion or request ('Let's go' → 'Hǎo' = okay). Choose based on the question: facts → shì/duì, suggestions → hǎo.
How do you pronounce Shì and Duì?
'是' (Shì) is pronounced 'shir' (the 'i' after sh/zh/ch/r is a buzzy sound, not 'ee' — like 'shir' without much vowel), with a falling 4th tone. '对' (Duì) is pronounced 'dway,' also 4th tone (sharp falling). '好' (Hǎo) is 'how' (rhymes with 'cow'), 3rd tone (dipping). All are short and common.
How do you answer a yes/no question in Chinese?
Repeat the question's verb. '你喜欢吗?' (Do you like it?) → '喜欢' (xǐhuan — [I] like) for yes, or '不喜欢' (bù xǐhuan — [I] don't like) for no. '你去吗?' (Are you going?) → '去' (qù) yes / '不去' (bú qù) no. For 'to be' questions ('是...吗?'), answer '是' (yes) or '不是' (bú shì — no). This verb-echo is the core of Chinese yes/no answers.
Does 'duì duì duì' mean yes in Chinese?
Yes! Chinese speakers often say '对对对' (Duì duì duì — right right right) to enthusiastically agree or confirm, like 'yes, exactly!' or 'that's right!' Repeating '对' three times is very natural and common in conversation to show eager agreement. Similarly '是的' (Shì de) is a common, slightly softer 'yes/that's so.'