hanyuace
f you ask a beginner how to say "Yes" in Chinese, they will likely say "Shì" (是). If you ask a native speaker, they will ask you: "Yes to what?"
One of the top 20 common mistakes Chinese learners make is overusing "Shì." Unlike English, where "Yes" covers everything, Mandarin requires you to choose a specific word based on whether you are agreeing to a plan, confirming a fact, or giving permission.
In this article, we'll explore seven key ways to express agreement, providing the context you need to ace your HSK speaking tests.
1. 是 (shì) - The "Equating" Yes
HSK Level: 1
The word 是 (shì) literally means "to be" (is/am/are). You generally only use it to say "Yes" if the question asks for a definition or identity (Noun A is Noun B).
Usage examples:
- Q: 你是学生吗？(Nǐ shì xuésheng ma?) - Are you a student? A: 是的。(Shì de.) - [It is so].
- Q: 这是你的书吗？(Zhè shì nǐ de shū ma?) - Is this your book? A: 是。(Shì.) - [It is].
Important Grammar Rule: In Chinese, the standard way to answer a "Yes/No" question is actually to repeat the main verb.
- Q: Do you like Chinese food? (Nǐ xǐhuan Zhōngguó cài ma?)
- A: Like. (Xǐhuan). NOT "Shì".
For more on this structure, read our guide on Chinese question formations.
2. 对 (duì) - The "Factual" Yes
HSK Level: 2
对 (duì) translates to "Correct" or "Right." It is the most natural way to confirm a fact or agree with someone's opinion. It implies that what the other person said is true.
Usage examples:
- Q: 北京是中国的首都，对吗？(Běijīng shì Zhōngguó de shǒudū, duì ma?) - Beijing is the capital of China, right? A: 对。(Duì.) - Correct.
- 你说得对。(Nǐ shuō de duì.) - What you said is correct.
Variation: In casual conversations, adding a particle like 对啊 (duì a) makes you sound more enthusiastic and natural.
3. 好 (hǎo) - The "Agreement" Yes
HSK Level: 1
While 好 (hǎo) means "good," it functions as "Okay" or "Sure" when agreeing to a suggestion, request, or plan. It focuses on future action.
Usage examples:
- Q: 我们去看电影吧？(Wǒmen qù kàn diànyǐng ba?) - Shall we go watch a movie? A: 好啊！(Hǎo a!) - Good/Sure!
- Q: 周末我们一起学习，怎么样？(Zhōumò wǒmen yìqǐ xuéxí, zěnmeyàng?) - How about studying together on the weekend? A: 好。(Hǎo.) - Okay.
4. 可以 (kěyǐ) - The "Permissive" Yes
HSK Level: 2
可以 (kěyǐ) is a modal verb meaning "Can" or "May." It is used to give permission or confirm possibility. If you want to dive deeper into these types of words, check out our guide on Chinese Modal Verbs.
Usage examples:
- Q: 我可以借用你的笔吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ jièyòng nǐ de bǐ ma?) - Can I borrow your pen? A: 可以，给你。(Kěyǐ, gěi nǐ.) - Yes (you can), here you go.
- Q: 这里可以拍照吗？(Zhèlǐ kěyǐ pāizhào ma?) - Is photography allowed here? A: 可以。(Kěyǐ.) - Yes, it is allowed.
5. 没问题 (méi wèntí) - The "Confident" Yes
HSK Level: 3
没问题 (méi wèntí) means "No problem." It is a confident way to agree to a request or assure someone that you can handle a task.
Usage examples:
- Q: 你能帮我检查一下作业吗？(Nǐ néng bāng wǒ jiǎnchá yíxià zuòyè ma?) - Can you help me check my homework? A: 没问题，我很乐意帮忙。(Méi wèntí...) - No problem, I'd be happy to.
- Q: 明天下午三点见面可以吗？(Míngtiān xiàwǔ sān diǎn jiànmiàn kěyǐ ma?) - Is it okay to meet at 3 PM tomorrow? A: 没问题。(Méi wèntí.) - No issues.
6. 当然 (dāngrán) - The "Obvious" Yes
HSK Level: 4
当然 (dāngrán) translates to "Of course." It emphasizes that the answer is obvious or that your agreement is absolute.
Usage examples:
- Q: 你喜欢学习汉语吗？(Nǐ xǐhuan xuéxí Hànyǔ ma?) - Do you like learning Chinese? A: 当然喜欢！(Dāngrán xǐhuan!) - Of course I do!
- Q: 我们应该尊重老师，对吗？(Wǒmen yīnggāi zūnzhòng lǎoshī, duì ma?) - We should respect teachers, right? A: 当然了。(Dāngrán le.) - Obviously.
7. 行 (xíng) - The "Colloquial" Yes
HSK Level: 3
行 (xíng) is a very common colloquialism, especially in Northern China. It implies "That works" or "That will do." It is often interchangeable with "Kěyǐ" or "Hǎo" in the context of making plans.
Usage examples:
- Q: 我们六点见面吧。(Wǒmen liù diǎn jiànmiàn ba.) - Let's meet at 6 o'clock. A: 行，没问题。(Xíng, méi wèntí.) - Alright, that works.
- Q: 这件衣服怎么样？(Zhè jiàn yīfu zěnmeyàng?) - How about this piece of clothing? A: 行，挺好的。(Xíng, tǐng hǎo de.) - It’ll do / It’s fine.
Pronunciation Note: While spelled "xing," beginners sometimes struggle with the 'x' sound. It is not pronounced like "Zing" or "Hing." It is a sharp sound made with the tongue flat against the roof of the mouth (an alveolo-palatal consonant).
Conclusion
Mastering these seven ways to say "yes" in Chinese—是 (Shì), 对 (Duì), 好 (Hǎo), 可以 (Kěyǐ), 没问题 (Méi wèntí), 当然 (Dāngrán), and 行 (Xíng)—will prevent you from sounding robotic in your exams.
Now that you know how to agree, it is equally important to know how to disagree. Complete your study session by reading our guide on the various ways to say No in Chinese.
Keep expanding your vocabulary, and for more tips on sounding natural, check out our conversational Chinese fluency steps. Good luck with your HSK preparation!