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zhè gè rén shì xuéshēng.

这zhè　个gè　人rén　是shì　学生xuéshēng。zhè gè rén shì xuéshēng.
This person is a student.
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Questions & Answers about zhè gè rén shì xuéshēng.

What is the basic structure here?

It’s the standard “equational” pattern: [Demonstrative + classifier + noun] + 是 + [noun].

  • 这个人 (zhè ge rén): “this person” = demonstrative 这 + classifier 个 + noun 人
  • 是 (shì): the copula “to be” (links two nouns/pronouns)
  • 学生 (xuéshēng): “student” So the structure is Subject + 是 + Predicate Noun.
Why do we need 个 after 这?

Chinese requires a classifier (measure word) between a demonstrative or number and a noun. 个 (gè) is the default, widely used one. Hence:

  • Correct: 这个人, 那个人, 两个学生
  • Without a classifier (e.g., 这人) is colloquial/regionally acceptable but not the safest default for learners.
Can I say 这人 instead of 这个人?
Yes, 这人 is common in colloquial Mandarin (especially northern speech) and can sound more casual or blunt. 这个人 is neutral and safest. For polite reference to a person, use 这位 (zhè wèi).
Do I need to say “a” as in “a student”? Should I add 一个?

Chinese has no articles. 是学生 already means “is a student (by category).” You can add 一个/个 to emphasize “one/single” or to make the noun phrase feel more specific or evaluative:

  • 这个人是学生 (neutral fact)
  • 这个人是个学生 / 是一个学生 (adds “one/a,” often slightly more personal or contrastive)
  • Very common when modified: 他是个好学生 (“a good student”).
How do I make this a yes–no question?

Two common ways:

  • Add 吗: 这个人是学生吗？
  • Use the A-not-A pattern: 这个人是不是学生？
How do I negate it?

Use 不是 (the negative of 是):

  • 这个人不是学生。 Don’t use 没有 here; 没有 negates possession/past actions, not the copula.
When should I not use 是?

Don’t use 是 before adjective predicates. Use adjective directly (often with 很 as a neutral linker):

  • Correct: 他很高。 (“He is tall.”)
  • Not: 他是高。 (unnatural) Use 是 when both sides are nouns/pronouns/titles/categories:
  • 他是老师。 (“He is a teacher.”)
Does this sentence mark tense? How do I say “was a student”?

Chinese verbs aren’t marked for tense by form. 这个人是学生 is present/habitual by default; past/future comes from context or time words:

  • Past: 他以前是学生。/ 他曾经是学生。
  • Future/plan: 他将来会是学生。/ 他打算当学生。 Avoid 是了 for simple “was”; use time expressions instead.
Pronunciation tips for this sentence?
  • 这 is zhè; in casual speech before a classifier you’ll often hear zhèi: zhèi ge.
  • 个 is often a neutral tone in this position: ge (so zhège).
  • 学生 is commonly pronounced xuésheng (second syllable often light/neutral). You’ll also encounter xuéshēng. Full, natural reading: zhège rén shì xuésheng (or zhèi ge).
What’s the difference between 这是一个学生 and 这个人是学生?
  • 这是一个学生。 Treats 这 as a pronoun “this (one)”—used when pointing something/someone out, often when identity is not yet established.
  • 这个人是学生。 The subject is explicitly “this person,” focusing on that person’s category/identity. It sounds a bit more specific or descriptive about that person.
Can I drop 是 and say 这个人学生?
Not in standard speech. For equational sentences (N is N), keep 是. Omission occurs in very elliptical headlines or certain set phrases, but learners should use 是 here.
Why not 学生们 for “students”? Should there be a plural?
Chinese usually doesn’t mark plural on nouns. 们 attaches mainly to pronouns and certain human nouns when referring to a specific group (e.g., 同学们 to address “students/classmates”). Here, 学生 is a category label, so 学生们 would be incorrect.
What is a more polite or formal way to refer to the person?

Use the respectful classifier 位 (wèi) for people:

  • 这位是学生。 (“This [person] is a student.”)
  • Or as a noun phrase: 这位学生 (“this student”). Don’t say 这位人.
How would I say “This person is a good student”?

Best is to include a classifier before the modified noun:

  • 这个人是个好学生。 Without the classifier (这个人是好学生) is possible but less natural in everyday speech.
Is 个 人 the same as the word 个人?
No. 个 + 人 here is “classifier + person.” 个人 is a fixed word meaning “individual; personal.” Don’t replace 这个人 with 这个个人.
What’s the Traditional Chinese version?
這個人是學生。