英语词汇“be”的读音、翻译、释义、用法及例句-学习网

复合形式：
英语		中文
feel on top of the world, be on top of the world exprexpression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own."	figurative (be very happy)	心满意足 xīn mǎn yì zú
		兴高采烈 xìng gāo cǎi liè
		欣喜若狂 xīn xǐ ruò kuáng
	The day his daughter was born, the new father felt on top of the world.
	女儿出生的那天，新为人父的他欣喜若狂。
be on your way v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be traveling)	在路上 zài lù shàng
	Tim's on his way, and will be here soon.
be on your way to [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be traveling to a place)	在去往…的路上
	Rachel is on her way to Oxford to attend a business meeting.
be on your way to doing [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(make progress towards [sth])	在…的过程中
	The research team is on its way to completing the first stage of the project.
be on your way v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (leave)	离开，赶快走
	"It's late," Mia told Joe; "you'd better be on your way."
be opposed to [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(disagree with, disapprove of)	不同意 bù tóng yì
		反对 fǎn duì
	I am not opposed to change, but these proposals don't seem sensible.
be out for [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(seek in a determined way)	一心寻求
		一心追求
	The soccer team is out for revenge on their biggest rivals.
be out of [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (be lacking)	缺乏，缺少
		没有 méi yǒu
	I had to go shopping as we were completely out of milk.
be out of touch with [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	figurative, informal (not up to date with)	跟不上…的发展
	These systems are completely out of touch with modern business practices.
be out of touch with [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	figurative, informal (not familiar with)	不熟悉 bù shóu xī
		不了解 bù liǎo jiě
	These problems have arisen because the government is made up of wealthy politicians who are completely out of touch with how ordinary people live.
be out of touch with [sb] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(no longer in contact with)	与…失去联系
be out of your mind v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	figurative, informal (be irrational, crazy)	疯了
		发疯了
be out of your mind with [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	figurative, informal (be extremely anxious, worried) (指伤心焦虑等)	过度...
		因为...而发疯
		...得发疯
be over the hill v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	figurative, informal (be old, no longer be useful) (指人)	盛年已过
		体力跟不上了
be pertinent to [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be relevant to [sth])	与…有关 yǔ … yǒu guān
be poised to do [sth] exprexpression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own."	(about to do)	准备做
		准备好做
	The cat was poised to leap onto the counter when I walked into the room.
	我走进房间时，猫正准备跳到台子上。
the powers that be nplplural noun: Noun always used in plural form--for example, "jeans," "scissors."	(those in command)	当权者 dāng quán zhě
		掌权者
	The powers that be say that we must pay taxes.
be present at [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(attend)	出席…
	It is essential that the entire team be present at this meeting.
pretend to be [sb/sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(playact, imagine)	扮成…，扮作…
	She pretended to be a princess.
be on probation v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(law: is in a conditional release period)	在服缓刑
be on probation v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(work: is in a trial period)	在试用期
prove to be [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(turn out to be)	事实证明…
	The detective's hunch proved to be right.
purport to be [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(claim to be)	声称为...，据称为...
be pushed for [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (be short of)	缺少...
		...不足
		...不够
		为...所窘的
be pushed to do [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (have a hard time doing)	因为...为难的
		难以...的
		勉为其难地...
be pushing [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (be almost: a given age) (指年龄)	就快...了
		快满...了
	My grandmother is pushing ninety, but she still goes for a long walk every day.
be on the qt, be on the q.t. v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	UK, informal (be a secret)	是秘密
	Right now, it's on the q.t., so only a few people know about it.
reach the end of your rope, be at the end of your rope, also UK: reach the end of your tether, be at the end of your tether v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	figurative, informal (be exasperated)	忍无可忍
	I need a break from the kids; I've reached the end of my rope!
referable, be referable to [sth] adjadjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall* girl," "an interesting book," "a big house."*	(that may be ascribed: to [sth])	可归因于……的 kě guī yīn yú de
reputed to be [sb/sth] exprexpression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own."	(alleged)	被普遍认为是，被公认为是
		被宣称是，据称是
	He is reputed to be the world's richest man.
be required to do [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(commanded, ordered)	要求做某事
		必须做某事
	You are required to complete this form.
	你必须完成这张表格。
be right vi + adj	(person: be correct about [sth])	…是对的，…说的对
	You're right; that is a beautiful painting.
be right to do [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(person: do wisest thing)	做某事是对的
	Abigail was right to leave her husband; he was an awful man.
be right for [sb] adjadjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall* girl," "an interesting book," "a big house."*	(compatible with [sb])	对…合适的
		对…最恰当的
	Everyone knew Marshall and Elaine were right for each other.
be riled up v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (be irritated, angry)	被激怒 bèi jī nù
		被惹恼 bèi rě nǎo
be secondary to [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be of lesser importance than [sth])	相比…次要的
	Looks are secondary to a great sense of humor.
see what can be done v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(try to find solution)	看看能做些什么 kàn kàn néng zuò xiē shén me
	The mechanic said he'd see what can be done to repair my car.
seem to be vtrtransitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say* something." "She found the cat."*	(appear)	看起来似乎是 kàn qǐ lái sì hū shì
	The pipes seem to be in good repair.
be seized with [sth] adjadjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall* girl," "an interesting book," "a big house."*	(have sudden strong feeling of [sth])	突然产生 tū rán chǎn shēng
		突然感到
		忽然想
	She was seized with a craving for artichokes.
	她突然感到很想吃菊芋。
show yourself to be [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(demonstrate that you are)	展示自己的某一特征
	He showed himself to be an astute politician.
be sick vi + adj	mainly UK (vomit)	呕吐的 ǒu tù de
		恶心的 ě xīn de
	Jane is being sick again. She should not have eaten all those cakes.
be sick of [sth/sb] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (be weary or bored of [sth/sb])	厌倦…的
		对…感到厌烦的
	After all this snow, I am really sick of winter!
be sick of doing [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (be weary of doing [sth])	厌烦做某事的
		厌倦做某事的
	I'm sick of looking for shoes for you; please pick something out.
	我厌倦了陪你试鞋子，请赶紧挑一双吧。
be sick with [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(feel extreme: worry, anxiety, fear)	极为焦虑的
		心烦意乱的 xīn fán yì luàn de
		极为担心的
	The boy's mother was sick with worry when he didn't come home.
be sick and tired of [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (have had enough of)	厌烦 yàn fán
		厌倦 yàn juàn
	I'm sick and tired of living in this freezing cold house.
	我厌倦了住在这冰冷刺骨的屋子里。
be slacking viintransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived."	UK, slang (avoid work)	偷懒
	Get back to work! You're slacking again.
	赶紧回去工作！你们又在偷懒了。
so be it interjinterjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!"	(expressing acceptance, resignation)	那就这样吧
	If you want to be stubborn and not see sense, well, so be it.
stand up and be counted v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	figurative (express opinion)	站出来表明立场 zhàn chū lái biǎo míng lì chǎng
	Don't just sit there complaining to your friends – stand up and be counted! Those that had the courage to stand up and be counted were arrested.
stifle⇒ viintransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived."	(lack fresh air)	感到憋闷
备注: Often used in continuous tenses.
study to be [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(become educated to qualify as)	为成为…而学习 wèi chéng wéi ér xué xí
	He spent 3 years abroad, presumably studying to be an architect.
be sufficient for [sth/sb] adjadjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall* girl," "an interesting book," "a big house."*	(be enough for [sth] or [sb])	对…来说是足够的
		足以…
	Your explanation is not sufficient to answer all my questions.
be suited to [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be appropriate for or to [sth])	适合 shì hé
		适于
	These boots are suited to walking.
be supposed to do [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(have responsibility, job)	应该做
	He was supposed to finish the report by Monday, but he didn't turn it in until Wednesday.
be supposed to do [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be intended, designed)	本应
		本应当 běn yīng dāng
	This pen is supposed to write smoothly even in space.
be supposed to do [sth], be supposed to be [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be rumored)	据传言
		据说 jù shuō
	This coffee is supposed to be the best, but I don't taste any difference from the cheaper brand.
be supposed to do [sth], be supposed to be [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	US (be thought, suspected)	被认为
	He's supposed to be the author of all those blackmail notes.
be supposed to do [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be expected)	被预期
	It is supposed to snow this afternoon.
be supposed to do [sth], be supposed to be [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be planning, scheduled)	按计划
		照安排
	The Rolling Stones are supposed to be coming to Vancouver this coming April. The party was supposed to start at 8 but no one showed up until 10.
be surrounded by [sth], be surrounded with [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be enclosed, encircled by)	被…环绕 bèi huán rào
		为…所包围 wéi suǒ bāo wéi
	The house was surrounded by fields.
be surrounded by [sth/sb] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(have around you)	被...包围
		被...环绕
		处于...的围绕之中
		围满了
	It's a great comfort to be surrounded by friends and family.
take a bashing, get a bashing, receive a bashing, be given a bashing v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	figurative, informal (be attacked verbally, in writing) (书面或口头上)	受到严厉批评
		遭到抨击
	The movie took a bashing from the critics.
	这部电影遭到了批评家们的抨击。
thanks be to God interjinterjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!"	(religious expression of gratitude)	感谢上帝 gǎn xiè shàng dì
	Thanks be to God, when I lost control of my car there were no other vehicles nearby.
that's as may be interjinterjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!"	(even so)	即便这样
be thirsty vi + adj	(need to drink)	口渴的 kǒu kě de
		渴的 kě de
	The dog was thirsty, as his owners had forgotten to refill his water bowl.
	主人忘了给狗盘装水，小狗渴得难受。
be through with [sth] adj + prep	informal (have finished doing [sth])	完成… wán chéng
	Can you do this photocopying for me? And when you're through with that, let me know and I'll find you something else to do.
be through with [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (have had enough of [sth])	受够了 shòu gòu le
	I'm through with these stupid meetings. Bye!
	我受够了这些愚蠢的会议。再见！
be through with [sb] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (end relationship with [sb])	和…断绝关系
	(人)	受够了 shòu gòu le
	After discovering her husband's affair, Monica decided she was through with him.
	莫妮卡发现自己的丈夫有婚外恋情，认为自己受够了，该离开他了。
be tied vtrtransitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say* something." "She found the cat."*	(be equal)	打成平局，打成平手，并列
	With one day to go until the final vote, the two candidates were tied.
be tired of [sth/sb] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(have had enough of)	对…厌倦 duì yàn juàn
		受够了 shòu gòu le
	I'm tired of his constant complaining. I'm tired of seeing hyphens used incorrectly.
to be continued exprexpression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own."	(more will come later)	未完待续
	At the end of the TV show episode, the words "To be continued" appeared at the bottom of the screen.
to be honest advadverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very* rare," "happening now," "fall down."*	informal (in truth)	说实话 shuō shí huà
		诚实地说
	To be honest, I knew the test would be difficult.
to be sure advadverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very* rare," "happening now," "fall down."*	(certainly)	确实 què shí
		的确 dí què
be to blame v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be responsible, guilty)	要怪...
		责任要在...上
		...承担责任
be to blame for [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be responsible, guilty for)	因...承担责任
		...错在
	Your mother is to blame for this whole situation.
turn out to be [sth/sb] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be discovered to be)	原来是 yuán lái shì
		原是
turn out to be [sth/sb] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(become)	变成 biàn chéng
		成为 chéng wéi
turned on, be + turned on adjadjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall* girl," "an interesting book," "a big house."*	(device: on) (设备等)	打开的，开启的，运转的
	Of course the printer isn't working - it's not turned on, you idiot!
turned on, be + turned on adjadjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall* girl," "an interesting book," "a big house."*	figurative, slang (sexually excited)	性奋的
	Gerald admitted to being turned on when he saw Marina in her nurse's uniform.
be unable to do [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be incapable of doing [sth])	不能做某事
	He was unable to climb the mountain because of his asthma.
be unable vi + adj	(not be able to do [sth])	不能 bù néng
		无法
		办不到
	I would like to help you, but I'm unable.
	我想帮你，可惜心有余而力不足。
be unacquainted with [sb] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(not know [sb])	和某人不熟
		不熟悉某人
be unclear about [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(person: not understand fully)	对…不清楚
		不明白
	I'm unclear about what the results of my blood test mean.
be united by [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(have [sth] as a common concern)	被…团结起来
		被…联合起来
	The former enemies were united by the desire to help the earthquake victims.
be unskilled in [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(not competent or practised in)	对…不在行 duì bú zài háng
		拙于
		不擅长
	Jeremy was unskilled in motor mechanics, to say the least.
be up vi + adj	informal (risen from bed)	起床 qǐ chuáng
	Is Mom up yet? No, she's still sleeping.
	你妈妈起床了吗？不，她还在睡觉。
be up to [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (be capable of)	有能力做到…的
		能胜任…的
	Are you sure you are up to this job?
be up to doing [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (be capable of doing)	能够 néng gòu
		有能力 yǒu néng lì
be up to [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be fit enough for)	有能力做某事
		能胜任
		做得了某事
	We can go for a walk after lunch, if you think you are up to it.
	午饭后我们可以出去散散步，如果你觉得自己可以的话。
be up to doing [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(be fit enough to do)	能胜任
be up to [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (be busy with)	忙于
		从事 cóng shì
		干某事
	What have you been up to since I last saw you?
	自从我们上次见面后你都忙些什么呢？
be up to [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (be doing: [sth] suspicious)	在搞什么名堂
		在干什么
	The shopkeeper asked the mischievous little boy what he was up to.
be up to [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	informal (be scheming)	在谋划
		在密谋
	I don't know what he's planning, but he's definitely up to something!
be up to [sb] adv + prep	(be [sb]'s choice)	取决于某人
		在于某人
	(指做决定、选择等)	看某人的
	I don't care where we eat – it's up to you.
	我随便去哪里吃饭都可以——看你怎么选吧。
be up to [sb] to do [sth] adv + prep	(be [sb]'s responsibility)	由…来…
		由…负责…
	It's up to you to decide where we go tonight.
used to do [sth], used to be [sth] v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(did, was habitually)	过去经常 guò qù jīng cháng
		过去习惯 guò qù xí guàn
		过去常常 guò qù cháng cháng
备注: Used only in simple past tense.
	I used to go to the local church when I was young.
	小的时候，我常常去本地的教堂。
walk on thin ice, skate on thin ice, be on thin ice v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	figurative (take a risk)	如履薄冰 rú lǚ bó bīng
备注: Commonly used in the continuous
	You're walking on thin ice if you keep insulting Katie.
whether it be [sth] or [sth] exprexpression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own."	(if it is [sth] or [sth])	无论是...还是...
		不管是...还是...
	Whether it be raining or boiling hot, we're still going to the lake.
be wild about [sth] adj + prep	(like [sth] intensely)	热衷于
	Simon is wild about bananas; he eats one every day.
be wild about [sb] adj + prep	(love [sb] passionately)	热爱 rè ài
		疯狂恋慕
	Lucas is wild about Carla and even proposed to her.
be worked up v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."	(tense, nervous)	紧张 jǐn zhāng
		焦虑 jiāo lǜ
	Why are you so worked up? It's only a spelling test!

Collins Chinese Dictionary Plus (3rd edition), 2011:

be [bi:]pt(pp was, were)been

I vi

1 (with complement) 是 shì

I'm English/Chinese
我是英国(國)人/中国(國)人 wǒ shì Yīngguórén/Zhōngguórén
she's tall/pretty
她长(長)得高/漂亮 tā zhǎngde gāo/piàoliang
I'm tired/hot
我累了/很热(熱) wǒ lèi le/hěnrè
she's hungry/thirsty
她饿(餓)了/渴了 tā è le/kě le
your hair's wet
你的头(頭)发(髮)湿(濕)了 nǐ de tóufa shī le
he's a doctor
他是医(醫)生 tā shì yīshēng
this is my mother
这(這)是我妈(媽)妈(媽) zhèshì wǒ māma
who is it?
是谁(誰)啊？ shì shuí a?
it's only me/the postman
是我/邮(郵)递(遞)员(員)啊 shì wǒ/yóudìyuán a
it was Diana who paid the bill
是黛安娜付的账(賬)单(單) shì Dài’ānnà fù de zhàngdān
2 and 2 are 4
2加2等于(於)4 èr jiā èr děngyú sì
be careful/quiet!
当(當)心/安静(靜)！ dāngxīn/ānjìng!

2 (referring to time, date) 是 shì

it's 5 o'clock
现(現)在是5点(點)钟(鐘) xiànzài shì wǔ diǎn zhōng

it's the 28th of April, it's April 28th
今天是4月28日 jīntiān shì sì yuè èrshíbā rì

3 (describing weather)▶ it's hot/cold 天热(熱)/冷 tiān rè/lěng

it's foggy/wet
天有雾(霧)/天气(氣)潮湿(濕) tiān yǒu wù/tiānqì cháoshī

it's windy today
今天有风(風) jīntiān yǒu fēng

4 (talking about health)▶ how are you? 你身体(體)怎么(麼)样(樣)？ nǐ shēntǐ zěnmeyàng?

I'm fine, thanks
我很好，谢(謝)谢(謝) wǒ hěn hǎo，xièxiè

I'm better now
我现(現)在好多了 wǒ xiànzài hǎo duō le

5 (talking about age) 有 yǒu

how old are you?
你多大了？ nǐ duō dà le?
I'm 16 (years old)
我16(岁(歲)) wǒ shíliù (suì)
I'll be 18 on Friday
星期五我就18岁(歲)了 xīngqīwǔ wǒ jiù shíbā suì le

6 (talking about place) 在 zài

Madrid is in Spain
马(馬)德里在西班牙 Mǎdélǐ zài Xībānyá
it's on the table
在桌上 zài zhuōshang
the supermarket isn't far from here
超市离(離)这(這)儿(兒)不远(遠) chāoshì lí zhèr bù yuǎn
I won't be here tomorrow
我明天不在这(這)儿(兒) wǒ míngtiān bùzài zhèr
have you been to Beijing?
你去过(過)北京吗(嗎)？ nǐ qùguo Běijīng ma?
we've been here for ages
我们(們)已经(經)在这(這)里(裡)好久了 wǒmen yǐjīng zài zhèlǐ hǎojiǔ le
where have you been?
你去哪儿(兒)了？ nǐ qù nǎr le?
has the postman been yet?
邮(郵)递(遞)员(員)来(來)过(過)了吗(嗎)？ yóudìyuán láiguole ma？
the meeting will be in the canteen
会(會)议(議)将(將)在食堂举(舉)行 huìyì jiāng zài shítáng jǔxíng

7 (referring to distance) 有 yǒu

it's 10 km to the village
这(這)儿(兒)离(離)村庄(莊)有10公里 zhèr lí cūnzhuāng yǒu shí gōnglǐ

it's 20 miles from here to London
从(從)这(這)儿(兒)到伦(倫)敦有20英里 cóng zhèr dào Lúndūn yǒu èrshí yīnglǐ

8 (=cost) 花 huā

how much was the meal?
这(這)顿(頓)饭(飯)花了多少钱(錢)？ zhè dùn fàn huāle duōshao qián?
that'll be £5 please
请(請)付5英镑(鎊) qǐngfù wǔ yīngbàng
these trousers are only £30
这(這)条(條)裤(褲)子仅(僅)仅(僅)30英镑(鎊) zhè tiáo kùzi jǐnjǐn sānshí yīngbàng

9 (linking clauses) 是 shì

the problem is that …
问(問)题(題)是… wèntí shì…

the fact is that …
事实(實)是… shìshí shì…

10 (=exist, occur etc) 存在 cúnzài

the best singer that ever was
曾经(經)有过(過)的最好的歌手 céngjīng yǒuguo de zuì hǎo de gēshǒu
is there a God?
存在上帝吗(嗎)？ cúnzài Shàngdì ma?
be that as it may
即使如此 jíshǐ rúcǐ

11 (assessing a situation)▶ it is likely that he'll resign 很可能他将(將)辞(辭)职(職) hěn kěnéng tā jiāng cízhí

it is difficult for me to complain
我很难(難)抱怨 wǒ hěn nán bàoyuàn

II aux vb

1 (forming continuous tenses)▶ what are you doing? 你在干(幹)什么(麼)？ nǐ zài gàn shénme?

it is raining
天下着(著)雨 tiān xiàzhe yǔ
people are using their cars too much
人们(們)正在过(過)多地使用汽车(車) rénmen zhèngzài guòduō de shǐyòng qìchē
they're coming tomorrow
他们(們)明天来(來) tāmen míngtiān lái

2 (forming passives)▶ to be murdered 被谋(謀)杀(殺) bèi móushā

he was killed in a car crash
他在一场(場)车(車)祸(禍)中丧(喪)生 tā zài yī chǎng chēhuò zhōng sàngshēng
the building was designed by a famous architect
这(這)座建筑(築)由一位著名的建筑(築)师(師)设(設)计(計) zhè zuò jiànzhù yóu yī wèi zhùmíng de jiànzhùshī shèjì
the box had been opened
盒子已被打开(開)了 hézi yǐ bèi dǎkāi le

3 (with "to"infinitive)▶ the house is to be sold 房子将(將)要出售 fángzi jiāng yào chūshòu

what is to be done?
我们(們)该(該)怎么(麼)办(辦)？ wǒmen gāi zěnmebàn？
these flowers are to be found all over the country
这(這)些花在全国(國)都能看得到 zhèxiē huā zài quánguó dōunéng kàndedào
the thief was nowhere to be seen
小偷不知去向 xiǎotōu bù zhī qùxiàng

4 (in tag questions)▶ it was fun, wasn't it? 有意思，是不是？ yǒu yìsi, shì bù shì?

it wasn't good timing, was it?
时(時)间(間)选(選)得不太好，是不是？ Shíjiān xuǎn de bù tài hǎo，shì bù shì？
he's good-looking, isn't he?
他长(長)得不错(錯)，是不是？ tā zhǎng de bùcuò, shì bù shì?
so you're back again, are you?
所以你又回来(來)了，是不是？ suǒyǐ nǐ yòu huílai le，shì bù shì？

5 (in short answers)▶ "was it where I said?""yes, it was/no, it wasn't" "就在我说(說)的地方吗(嗎)？""是/不是" "jiù zài wǒ shuō de dìfang ma?""shì/bù shì"

"you're all right, aren't you?""yes, I am/no, I'm not"
"你还(還)好，是不是？""是的，我还(還)好/不，我不好" "nǐ hái hǎo，shì bù shì？""shì de，wǒ hái hǎo/bù，wǒ bù hǎo"