是 (shì)
to be (followed by substantives only); correct; right; true; (respectf
- HSK 3.1 level 1
- 9 strokes
Etymology
Origin unclear. The bottom component 止 represents the sound.
Shuowen Jiezi
《說文》：“是，直也。从日、正。昰，籀文是，从古文正。”
Components
- 旦 (unknown) — The purpose of this component is unclear.
- 止 (sound)