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正是 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
正是zhèngshì(emphasizes that sth is precisely or exactly as stated)HSK 2, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #1149, Easy
正是zhèngshìpreciselyHSK 2, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #1149, Easy
正是zhèngshìexactlyHSK 2, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #1149, Easy
正是zhèngshìevenHSK 2, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #1149, Easy
正是zhèngshìifHSK 2, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #1149, Easy
正是zhèngshìjust likeHSK 2, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #1149, Easy
正是zhèngshìin the same way asHSK 2, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #1149, Easy
zhèngshì(zheng4shi4)zheng shi T4
  1. 1(emphasizes that sth is precisely or exactly as stated)
  2. 2precisely
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March 24, 2026

正是zhèngshì(zheng4shi4)

正是 (zhèng shì) is used to emphasize that something is precisely or exactly as stated. It can convey affirmation in various contexts, often used to reinforce a point or agreement in conversation, indicating that the speaker believes the statement to be accurate or true.

Strokes14Frequency#1149DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note

In Chinese communication, emphasizing correctness is valued in discussions, hence 正是 is often used to solidify one’s stance or agreement in formal settings, reflecting a cultural preference for clarity and precision.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'zheng' (正) sign on a target, ensuring that you've hit the bullseye with precision. The 'shi' (是) sounds like 'she', and you can envision a confident woman saying, 'This is exactly it!' to emphasize correctness.

Meanings of 正是

zhèngshì(zheng4shi4)
1(emphasizes that sth is precisely or exactly as stated)
2precisely
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About 正是

正是Simplified
14Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1

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AI Study Notes for 正是

Quick Contrast

确实 (quèshí) — use 正是 when emphasizing exactness or precision in a statement, while 确实 is more about confirming truthfulness or reality.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using 正是 too loosely or in informal contexts where a simpler affirmative might suffice. It is often used in formal or written Chinese, so learners should be mindful of the context in which they use it.

HSK Study Tips

As a phrase not explicitly listed in HSK levels, students should focus on understanding its usage in context. It connects well with other affirmative expressions like 是 (shì) and 真的 (zhēn de), enhancing their ability to express agreement or precision.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 正是 with 是, using it in situations that do not require emphasis. For example, saying '他正是老师' (Tā zhèng shì lǎoshī) when simply stating '他是老师' (Tā shì lǎoshī) would be more appropriate.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 正是

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Component Characters

正zhèngstraight
HSK 25 strokes止
View full entry
是shìis
HSK 19 strokes日
View full entry

How to say (emphasizes that sth is precisely or exactly as stated) in Chinese

“(emphasizes that sth is precisely or exactly as stated)” in Chinese is正是zhèngshì

正是 (zhèng shì) is used to emphasize that something is precisely or exactly as stated. It can convey affirmation in various contexts, often used to reinforce a point or agreement in conversation, indicating that the speaker believes the statement to be accurate or true.

When to use 正是

Common mistakes include using 正是 too loosely or in informal contexts where a simpler affirmative might suffice. It is often used in formal or written Chinese, so learners should be mindful of the context in which they use it.

正是 or something close to it

确实 (quèshí) — use 正是 when emphasizing exactness or precision in a statement, while 确实 is more about confirming truthfulness or reality.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 正是 with 是, using it in situations that do not require emphasis. For example, saying '他正是老师' (Tā zhèng shì lǎoshī) when simply stating '他是老师' (Tā shì lǎoshī) would be more appropriate.

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正
是

Practice writing 正是 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 正是

You should use 正是 when you want to emphasize precision or correctness in your statement, whereas 是 is more general.

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