shì ma: 是吗 - Really?, Is that so?, Is it?

• Keywords: shima, shi ma, 是吗, really in Chinese, is that so in Chinese, Chinese question particle, Chinese expressing doubt, how to say really in Mandarin, Chinese conversational phrases, HSK 1 vocabulary
• Summary: Learn how to use “是吗” (shì ma), one of the most common and versatile phrases in Mandarin Chinese. Meaning “Really?” or “Is that so?”, it's an essential tool for expressing surprise, doubt, or simply showing you're engaged in a conversation. This guide will break down its meaning, cultural nuances, and provide practical examples to help you sound like a native speaker.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): shì ma
• Part of Speech: Interrogative Phrase / Particle Phrase
• HSK Level: HSK 1
• Concise Definition: A phrase used to express surprise or doubt about a preceding statement, or to seek confirmation.
• In a Nutshell: “是吗” is less of a question and more of a reaction. Think of the different ways you can say “Really?” in English. A wide-eyed “Really?!” expresses surprise. A skeptical, narrow-eyed “Really…?” shows doubt. A casual “Oh, really?” just keeps the conversation going. “是吗” captures all of these nuances. It's a conversational Swiss Army knife that you use in response to what someone else has just said.

• 是 (shì): One of the most fundamental characters in Chinese, meaning “to be,” “is,” “am,” “are,” or simply “yes.” It establishes a state of being or truth.
• 吗 (ma): This is a neutral question particle. When you place it at the end of a declarative sentence, it turns it into a simple yes/no question.

When combined, “是吗” (shì ma) literally means “Is it?” or “Is it so?”. It directly questions the “is-ness” or truth of the statement that was just made.

While “是吗” doesn't carry deep philosophical weight, its usage is deeply tied to the social dynamics of Chinese conversation. It often serves as a tool for maintaining conversational harmony (和谐, héxié). Instead of directly stating “I don't believe you” or “You're wrong,” which can be confrontational, a skeptical “是吗?” offers a much softer, more indirect way to express doubt. It puts the ball back in the speaker's court, inviting them to elaborate or provide more evidence, without creating conflict. Compared to the English “Really?”, which can sometimes sound challenging or aggressive depending on the tone, “是吗” is generally milder. Its default use is often as a conversational lubricant—a way to acknowledge information and encourage the speaker to continue, demonstrating that you are actively listening and processing what they're saying.

The meaning of “是吗” is almost entirely dependent on tone and context. Here are its most common applications:

When you hear something unexpected and new. Your tone is typically higher and more animated.

When you're not sure if you believe what you're hearing. Your tone might be lower, slower, and more drawn out.

A neutral, low-key “是吗?” is used to show you're listening and to acknowledge the other person's point. It's the equivalent of saying “Oh, yeah?”, “Is that right?”, or “I see.” It simply keeps the conversation flowing.

With a sharp or exaggerated tone, “是吗” can be used sarcastically to mean, “Oh, *really* now?”, implying you think what they've said is ridiculous. This is more common among close friends.

• Example 1: (Genuine Surprise)
  • A: 我下个星期就要结婚了！(Wǒ xià ge xīngqī jiù yào jiéhūn le!)
  • B: 是吗？！恭喜恭喜！(Shì ma?! Gōngxǐ gōngxǐ!)
  • Pinyin: A: Wǒ xià ge xīngqī jiù yào jiéhūn le! B: Shì ma?! Gōngxǐ gōngxǐ!
  • English: A: I'm getting married next week! B: Really?! Congratulations!
  • Analysis: Here, “是吗” is used with a high, excited tone to express genuine surprise and happiness upon hearing unexpected good news.
• Example 2: (Skepticism / Doubt)
  • A: 这块手表只要一百块钱。(Zhè kuài shǒubiǎo zhǐyào yìbǎi kuài qián.)
  • B: 是吗？我不太相信。(Shì ma? Wǒ bú tài xiāngxìn.)
  • Pinyin: A: Zhè kuài shǒubiǎo zhǐyào yìbǎi kuài qián. B: Shì ma? Wǒ bú tài xiāngxìn.
  • English: A: This watch only costs 100 RMB. B: Is that so? I don't really believe it.
  • Analysis: The slower, questioning tone of “是吗” here clearly indicates that B is skeptical about the watch's price and likely thinks it's a fake.
• Example 3: (Conversational Filler)
  • A: 我昨天去的那家餐厅，服务特别好。(Wǒ zuótiān qù de nà jiā cāntīng, fúwù tèbié hǎo.)
  • B: 是吗？(Shì ma?)
  • A: 对，服务员都非常热情。(Duì, fúwùyuán dōu fēicháng rèqíng.)
  • Pinyin: A: Wǒ zuótiān qù de nà jiā cāntīng, fúwù tèbié hǎo. B: Shì ma? A: Duì, fúwùyuán dōu fēicháng rèqíng.
  • English: A: The restaurant I went to yesterday had really great service. B: Oh, yeah? A: Yes, the waiters were all very enthusiastic.
  • Analysis: B's “是吗?” is neutral. It doesn't express strong surprise or doubt. It's a simple acknowledgment that means “I'm listening, please continue.”
• Example 4: (Seeking Confirmation)
  • A: 听说老板今天心情不好。(Tīngshuō lǎobǎn jīntiān xīnqíng bù hǎo.)
  • B: 是吗？那我们最好小心点。(Shì ma? Nà wǒmen zuìhǎo xiǎoxīn diǎn.)
  • Pinyin: A: Tīngshuō lǎobǎn jīntiān xīnqíng bù hǎo. B: Shì ma? Nà wǒmen zuìhǎo xiǎoxīn diǎn.
  • English: A: I heard the boss is in a bad mood today. B: Is he? Then we'd better be careful.
  • Analysis: B uses “是吗” to confirm the rumor they just heard before deciding on a course of action.
• Example 5: (Perfunctory or Uninterested Response)
  • A: 我跟你说，我新买的键盘特别好用！(Wǒ gēn nǐ shuō, wǒ xīn mǎi de jiànpán tèbié hǎo yòng!)
  • B: (Staring at phone) 是吗。(Shì ma.)
  • Pinyin: A: Wǒ gēn nǐ shuō, wǒ xīn mǎi de jiànpán tèbié hǎo yòng! B: Shì ma.
  • English: A: Let me tell you, my new keyboard is amazing to use! B: (Staring at phone) Is that right.
  • Analysis: A flat, monotone delivery of “是吗” with no enthusiasm signals a lack of interest. B is barely listening.
• Example 6: (Reacting to a Third-Party Statement)
  • A: 他说他一口气能跑十公里。(Tā shuō tā yì kǒuqì néng pǎo shí gōnglǐ.)
  • B: 是吗？他平时都不运动的。(Shì ma? Tā píngshí dōu bú yùndòng de.)
  • Pinyin: A: Tā shuō tā yì kǒuqì néng pǎo shí gōnglǐ. B: Shì ma? Tā píngshí dōu bú yùndòng de.
  • English: A: He said he can run ten kilometers in one go. B: Really? He usually doesn't exercise at all.
  • Analysis: This shows doubt about someone else's claim. B isn't calling A a liar, but is questioning the validity of the original statement.
• Example 7: (Mild Surprise at a Simple Fact)
  • A: 原来北京冬天会下雪啊。(Yuánlái Běijīng dōngtiān huì xiàxuě a.)
  • B: 是吗？你不知道吗？(Shì ma? Nǐ bù zhīdào ma?)
  • Pinyin: A: Yuánlái Běijīng dōngtiān huì xiàxuě a. B: Shì ma? Nǐ bù zhīdào ma?
  • English: A: So it turns out it snows in Beijing in the winter. B: Oh, really? You didn't know?
  • Analysis: B isn't doubting A, but is surprised at A's lack of common knowledge.
• Example 8: (Sarcastic Disbelief)
  • A: 我保证，这是我最后一次迟到了。(Wǒ bǎozhèng, zhè shì wǒ zuìhòu yí cì chídào le.)
  • B: (Smiling knowingly) 是吗？(Shì ma?)
  • Pinyin: A: Wǒ bǎozhèng, zhè shì wǒ zuìhòu yí cì chídào le. B: Shì ma?
  • English: A: I promise, this is the last time I'll be late. B: (Smiling knowingly) Oh, *really*?
  • Analysis: The context and knowing smile make it clear that B doesn't believe A for a second. The “是吗” is completely sarcastic.
• Example 9: (As a lead-in to a follow-up question)
  • A: 我最近在学法语。(Wǒ zuìjìn zài xué Fǎyǔ.)
  • B: 是吗？难不难？(Shì ma? Nán bu nán?)
  • Pinyin: A: Wǒ zuìjìn zài xué Fǎyǔ. B: Shì ma? Nán bu nán?
  • English: A: I've been learning French recently. B: Oh, really? Is it difficult?
  • Analysis: Here, “是吗” functions as a bridge. It acknowledges the new information and smoothly transitions into a related question.
• Example 10: (Responding to an opinion)
  • A: 我觉得这部电影很无聊。(Wǒ juéde zhè bù diànyǐng hěn wúliáo.)
  • B: 是吗？我还觉得挺有意思的。(Shì ma? Wǒ hái juéde tǐng yǒu yìsi de.)
  • Pinyin: A: Wǒ juéde zhè bù diànyǐng hěn wúliáo. B: Shì ma? Wǒ hái juéde tǐng yǒu yìsi de.
  • English: A: I think this movie is very boring. B: Really? I actually thought it was quite interesting.
  • Analysis: This is a polite way to introduce a differing opinion. Instead of saying “You're wrong,” B uses “是吗” to soften the disagreement.

• Don't use it to form a basic question. A common beginner mistake is to think “是吗” is part of the question structure itself.
  • Incorrect: 你是美国人是吗？ (Nǐ shì Měiguórén shì ma?)
  • Correct: 你是美国人吗？ (Nǐ shì Měiguórén ma?)
  • Explanation: “是吗” is a *response* to a statement. You would use it if someone else said, “他是美国人” (He is American), and you reacted with “是吗?” (Oh, is he?).
• “是吗” (shì ma) vs. “真的吗” (zhēn de ma). These are similar but not identical.
  • 是吗 (shì ma): Broader meaning. “Is that so?”. It's a general reaction to information.
  • 真的吗 (zhēn de ma): More specific. “Is it true?”. It more directly questions the *truthfulness* or *authenticity* of a statement and often carries a stronger sense of surprise or disbelief. If someone says they saw a ghost, your first reaction would likely be “真的吗?!”.
• Overuse: While it's a useful conversational filler, using “是吗?” after every sentence someone says can make you sound detached, uninterested, or like you're not really paying attention. Use it thoughtfully to show genuine engagement.

• 真的吗 (zhēn de ma) - A stronger “Really? / Is it true?”, focusing on the factual authenticity of a statement.
• 不是吧 (bú shì ba) - An exclamation of strong disbelief or shock, similar to “No way!” or “You've got to be kidding me!”.
• 对吗 (duì ma) - “Is that correct? / Right?”. Used to confirm a fact, instruction, or calculation.
• 是啊 (shì a) - An enthusiastic “Yeah! / That's right!”. A common affirmative agreement, often used in response to a statement you agree with.
• 原来如此 (yuánlái rúcǐ) - A set phrase meaning “So that's how it is!” or “I see.” It's an expression of sudden understanding, often said after someone explains something in response to your “是吗?”.
• 怎么会 (zěnme huì) - “How could that be?”. Expresses strong surprise mixed with confusion, questioning the logic of a situation.
• 嗯 (en / ng) - The most common conversational filler or backchanneling sound, equivalent to “uh-huh” or “mm-hmm.” It shows you're listening, similar to a very neutral “是吗”.