is
US
UK is v pres: (be: present indicative)
SC 是 shì
TC 是
TC 是
She is a genius.
她是天才。
is v pres: (be: used in questions) (助动词)
SC [表示疑问]
"Is this your car, sir?" the police officer asked.
“先生，这是你的车么？”那位警官问道。
is v aux: (be: singular passive)
SC [表示第三人称被动态]
He is accused by his boss of theft.
老板指控他偷盗。
be vi: (nature) (表示自然属性、本质)
SC 是 shì
TC 是
TC 是
My mother is short.
我妈妈是个矮个子。
be vi: (state)
SC [表示状态, 性质]
Barry is ill.
Audrey is hungry.
Tania is right.
巴里病了。
奥德丽饿了。
塔尼亚是对的。
be vi: (exist)
SC 存在 cún zài
TC 存在
TC 存在
SC 有 cún zài，yǒu
TC 有
TC 有
There is a woman of 101 in the house opposite.
对面房子里住着一位 101 岁的老太太。
be vi: (be located)
SC 在 zài
TC 在
TC 在
The butter is on the table.
黄油在桌子上。
be vi: (event: occur) (表示时间)
SC 是发生在 shì fā shēng zài
TC 是發生在
TC 是發生在
The play is at eight o'clock.
舞台剧八点钟开始。
be vi: (equates two noun phrases) (表示所属（职业）)
SC 是 shì
TC 是
TC 是
She is a police officer.
她是警察。
be vi: (condition: age) (表示年龄)
SC 有 yǒu
TC 有
TC 有
Robert is ten years old.
罗伯特十岁。
be v aux: (with present participle: continuous)
SC [与现在分词连用
SC 构成进行时态] gòu chéng jìn xíng shí tài
Teresa is eating her dinner at the moment.
此刻特雷莎正在吃晚饭。
be v aux: (with present participle: future)
SC [与现在分词连用
SC 表示不久的将来] [biǎo shì bù jiǔ de jiāng lái]
We are playing tennis this weekend.
我们这周末要打网球。
be v aux: (with past participle: passive)
SC [与过去分词连用
SC 构成被动语态] gòu chéng bèi dòng yǔ tài
My wallet was stolen yesterday.
我的钱包昨天被偷了。
be vi: (cost) (表示花费)
SC 值 zhí
TC 值
TC 值
It is seven dollars. That will be ten pounds, please.
这个东西7美元。那个值10英镑，谢谢。
be vi: (have been: go, gone) (用于完成时)
SC 来，去 lái，qù
TC 來，去
TC 來，去
I have been to Rome.
我去过罗马。
be vi: (imperative)
SC [用于祈使句]
Be quiet! Be reasonable!
请安静！
请理智点！
be vi: (feel) (人)
SC 感觉，感到 gǎn jué ，gǎn dào
TC 感覺，感到
TC 感覺，感到
I'm dizzy after that rollercoaster ride.
坐完过山车之后，我感觉头晕。
be vi: (time) (时间)
SC 是 shì
TC 是
TC 是
It's half past eight.
现在的时间是八点半。
be vi: (weather) (天气)
SC 是 shì
TC 是
TC 是
It's cold today; you'll need your hat and gloves.
今天天气很冷，你得把帽子和手套戴上。
be about vi phrasal: informal (be present, in the vicinity)
SC 在这里 zài zhè lǐ
TC 在這裡
TC 在這裡
Not many people are about today.
今天在这里的人不多。
be ahead vi phrasal: figurative (have an advantage)
SC 赚钱 zhuàn qián
Compared to the UK, Sweden is ahead in terms of employment security.
be along vi phrasal: informal (arrive)
SC 到达 dào dá
TC 到達
TC 到達
be back vi phrasal: (have returned)
SC 回来 huí lái
TC 回來
TC 回來
SC 返回 huí lái，fǎn huí
TC 返回
TC 返回
I'm back from camp, did you miss me?
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. expr: (Don't risk what you have.) (谚语)
SC 一鸟在手胜于二鸟在林 yì niǎo zài shǒu shèng yú èr niǎo zài lín
I'm told I can do better if I keep looking for opportunities, but I'll stay at this job for now; after all, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
A friend in need is a friend indeed. expr: ([sb] who helps is real friend)
SC 患难见真情
When I was sick you certainly proved the old saying, "A friend in need is a friend indeed."
after all is said and done expr: (ultimately)
SC 最后 zuì hòu
TC 最後
TC 最後
SC 一切落定后 zuì hòu，yí qiè luò dìng hòu
After all is said and done, the decision to have a baby is a personal one.
All that glitters is not gold, All that glistens is not gold expr: figurative (appearances can be deceptive)
SC 虚有其表 xū yǒu qí biǎo
SC 金玉其表，败絮其中
all that is n: (everything that exists)
SC 所有一切 suǒ yǒu yí qiè
What if all that is existed only in your mind?
All's well that ends well., All is well that ends well. expr: (everything is resolved happily)
SC 结果好 jié guǒ hǎo
TC 皆大歡喜
TC 皆大歡喜
SC 万事好 jié guǒ hǎo，wàn shì hǎo
and the rest is history expr: (what happened is well known) (习语)
SC 余下的就众所周知了 yú xià de jiù zhòng suǒ zhōu zhī le
I met your mum in a bar, and the rest is history!
as is adv: (in its current state)
SC 照现状 zhào xiàn zhuàng
TC 照現狀
TC 照現狀
The TV is sold 'as is', there is no implicit nor explicit warranty.
as it is adv: colloquial (as the situation stands) (口语)
SC 照目前的状况来看，就当前的情况来看 zhào mù qián de zhuàng kuàng lái kàn，jiù dāng qián de qíng kuàng lái kàn
As it is, we'll be lucky to arrive before dark!
就当前的情况来看，谢天谢地我们天黑之前能到！
as it is adv: (in its current state)
SC 以目前的状态 yǐ mù qián de zhuàng tài
SC 保持目前的状态 yǐ mù qián de zhuàng tài，bǎo chí mù qián de zhuàng tài
We'll have to make do with the vehicle we have, as it is.
以目前的状态，我们只好先将就一下我们现有的车辆了。
beauty is in the eye of the beholder expr: (beauty is subjective)
SC 美与不美，全在观者
Beauty is skin deep. expr: (physical beauty is superficial)
SC 美丽是肤浅的
SC 金玉其外
Blood is thicker than water, Blood before water expr: figurative (family relationships are strongest)
SC 血浓于水
Neil will always support his brother's position on this matter because blood is thicker than water.
Business is business. expr: (Making a profit comes first.)
SC 在商言商 zài shāng yán shāng
He felt that I took advantage of his situation, but business is business.
do what is needed v expr: (take necessary action)
SC 做必要的事 zuò bì yào de shì
SC 采取必要的行动 zuò bì yào de shì，cǎi qǔ bì yào de xíng dòng
I know you don't want to put her in a home, but you have got to do what is needed.
Do what there is to do. interj: (Take the necessary action.)
SC 做必要的事 zuò bì yào de shì
SC 采取必要的行动 zuò bì yào de shì，cǎi qǔ bì yào de xíng dòng
enough is enough interj: (expressing exasperation)
SC 够了 gòu le
SC 请适可而止
Enough is enough! If I hear you scream at your baby brother one more time, you will regret it!
half a loaf is better than none expr: figurative (something is better than nothing)
SC 聊胜于无 liáo shèng yú wú
TC 聊勝於無
TC 聊勝於無
SC 有点总比没有强
here is, here are expr: (presenting [sth], [sb])
SC 这是
SC 这就是
"Good evening," said the presenter, "here is the news."
“晚上好，”主持人说，“这里有新消息。”
how is it that...?: (explain why)
SC …是怎么回事？ shì zěn me huí shì
How is it that all of your hats are black?
how it is: (reality, the way life is)
SC …是怎么回事？ shì zěn me huí shì
You might think it's unfair that you didn't get the job, but that's just how it is.
ignorance is bliss expr: (better not to know)
SC 无知就是快乐
is the responsibility of prep: (is the duty of, falls to)
SC 是…的责任 shì de zé rèn
It is the responsibility of all doctors to make sure that they are up to date with the latest medical knowledge.
it is advisable to do [sth] expr: (it is wise to)
SC …是明智的 shì míng zhì de
SC 可取的 shì míng zhì de，kě qǔ de
When you visit a new city, it is advisable to take a map.
It is all for the best, It's all for the best expr: (outcome is beneficial)
SC 这是最好的结果 zhè shì zuì hǎo de jié guǒ
I lost my job, but it's all for the best since now I can start a business, just like I always wanted.
It is all in the mind expr: (It is imaginary.)
SC 这都是想象出来的 zhè dōu shì xiǎng xiàng chū lái de
SC 这全是凭空想象
Some people believe they have been cured by faith-healers, but it's all in the mind.
it is all the same: (there is no difference, it makes no difference)
SC 都是一样的 dōu shì yí yàng de
SC 没什么区别的 dōu shì yí yàng de，méi shén me qū bié de
I can either go to the party or stay home. It's all the same to me.
it is necessary: (it is essential or required)
SC 这是必要的 zhè shì bì yào de
I could buy tickets in advance, but I don't think it is necessary.
it is necessary to: (it is required or essential for one to)
SC 做…是必要的 zuò shì bì yào de
It is necessary to buy your tickets in advance.
it is written that expr: (Bible: it has been prophesied that)
SC （圣经上）写道… shèng jīng shàng xiě dào
It is written that the meek shall inherit the earth. No sign of that so far.
It's none too soon, it is none too soon expr: informal (it is overdue)
SC 一点也不早
SC 有点晚了
It seems like spring has finally arrived, and it is none too soon for me.
know where [sb] is coming from, understand where [sb] is coming from v expr: figurative, informal (understand [sb]'s motives, feelings)
SC 明白...的初衷
SC 明白...的用意
the long and short of it is, the long and the short of it is that expr: informal (in summary)
SC 长话短说
SC 简而言之 jiǎn ér yán zhī
TC 簡而言之
TC 簡而言之
The long and short of it is that I'm pregnant.
my name is: (I am called, I am known as)
SC 我的名字叫…，我的名字是… wǒ de míng zì jiào
My name is Joe.
我的名字是乔。
be nothing doing expr: informal (no activity)
SC 无事可做 wú shì kě zuò
Pete went to the bar, but there was nothing doing there, so he headed home.
Patience is a virtue. expr: (Learn how to wait.)
SC 耐心是一种美德。
the proof of the pudding, the proof of the pudding is in the eating expr: figurative (you have to try before judging)
SC 试了才知道
Put your money where your mouth is. expr: (prove [sth])
SC 说到做到，付诸行动 shuō dào zuò dào
You think you can run faster than Tim? Put your money where your mouth is!
there is reason to believe, there is reason to believe that expr: (there are grounds for believing)
SC 有理由相信
There is reason to believe that the man is lying.
Silence is golden. expr: (It is wisest to say nothing)
SC 沉默是金
small world, it is a small world expr: (expression of surprise)
SC 这个世界真小
You know John? So do I—he's my cousin's boyfriend; small world!
so what else is new interj: informal (not surprised)
SC 这有什么新鲜的？ zhè yǒu shén me xīn xiān de ？
Yes, you're late again—so what else is new?
strike while the iron is hot expr: figurative (take an opportunity)
SC 趁热打铁
Such is life. expr: (expressing resignation) (表示无奈)
SC 生活就是这样。
tell it like it is v expr: informal (be honest and direct)
SC 如实道来 rú shí dào lái
TC 如實道來
TC 如實道來
SC 实话实说 rú shí dào lái，shí huà shí shuō
TC 實話實說
TC 實話實說
Okay, I'll tell it like it is, but I don't think you'll like it.
that is adv: (i.e., in other words)
SC 也就是说 yě jiù shì shuō
TC 也就是說
TC 也就是說
SC 即 yě jiù shì shuō，jí
TC 即
TC 即
Sam will inherit the property when he reaches the age of legal majority; that is, when he is 18 years old.
当山姆达到法定成年年龄，他将继承财产。也就是说，在他18岁的时候。
that is adv: (more precisely)
SC 更确切地说 gèng què qiè de shuō
John was an unhappy man; that is, until he met Sonia.
约翰是个不快乐的人，直到他遇见了索尼亚。
that is to say adv: (in other words)
SC 换言之 huàn yán zhī
TC 換言之
TC 換言之
SC 那即是说 huàn yán zhī，nà jí shì shuō
I'm sorry. That is to say, I won't do it again.
我很抱歉。换言之，我不会再犯了。
that is why expr: (that is the reason)
SC 这就是为什么
SC 这就是原因
the devil is in the details, the devil is in the detail expr: (problematic small parts)
SC 细节为王
SC 魔鬼藏在细节中
Read the contract carefully; the devil is in the details.
the die is cast expr: figurative (the situation cannot be changed)
SC 木已成舟
SC 无法改变
The pen is mightier than the sword. expr: figurative (words are powerful)
SC 文字的力量胜过武力
SC 笔墨胜于刀剑
Some say that the pen is mightier than the sword.
The pleasure is all mine. expr: formal (You're welcome.)
SC 这是我的荣幸 zhè shì wǒ de róng xìng
"Thank you for cooking us such a wonderful dinner." "The pleasure is all mine."
“谢谢你为我们做了如此美好的一顿晚餐。”“这是我的荣幸。”
the shoe is on the other foot, the boot is on the other foot expr: figurative (circumstances reversed)
SC 形势已经转变
SC 形势已经不同了
Lily was always scornful of unemployed people; the shoe's on the other foot now that she's lost her job.
the sun is over the yardarm expr: (acceptable time to drink alcohol)
SC 到了喝酒的时候了
SC 是时候喝酒了
The time is ripe expr: (it is the perfect moment)
SC 时机已经成熟
We should take action right now; the time is ripe!
The time is ripe for [sth] expr: (it is the right moment for [sth])
SC 做某事的时机已经成熟
The time is ripe for change.
The world is your oyster. expr: figurative (You can have or achieve anything.)
SC 世界尽在你的掌控之中
there is, there's expr: (indicating [sth] singular)
SC 有 yǒu
TC 有
TC 有
There's a bank just across the street.
街对面就有家银行。
there is a time and a place for everything, there is a time and place for everything expr: (responding to [sth] inappropriate)
SC 凡事要讲究时间和场合
there is an off chance, there is an off chance that expr: (there is a slight possibility that)
SC 机会很小
There is more to [sth] than meets the eye expr: (This is not what it seems)
SC 比表面看到的要复杂
SC 并非表面所见那么简单
It seems like he's vanished into thin air, but that's impossible. There's more to this situation than meets the eye.
there is no point expr: (it wouldn't be worthwhile)
SC 不值得，不值当
SC ...没有意义
there is no point in doing [sth] expr: (it wouldn't be worthwhile to)
SC 毫无意义
SC 没有任何意义
there is no question interj: (it is indisputable)
SC 这毋庸置疑
He's an evil man; there is no question.
there is no question, there is no question (that/of) expr: (it is indisputable that)
SC …是毋庸置疑的
There is no question many citizens resent paying taxes.
There is no such thing as a free lunch expr: (Everything has a cost)
SC 天下没有免费的午餐 tiān xià méi yǒu miǎn fèi de wǔ cān
I had to pay taxes on the free gift. Well, there's no such thing as a free lunch.
this is it expr: (here is the awaited thing)
SC 终于来了
SC 这就是了
This is it. I see my suitcase in the luggage carousel at last.
this is it expr: (this is the end)
SC 就是这样 jiù shì zhè yàng
TC 就是這樣
TC 就是這樣
This is it; it's my last day in England.
this is me expr: informal (directions: this is where I live)
SC 这就是我
this is why expr: (for this reason)
SC 这就是为什么
SC 这就是...的原因
It's a very popular restaurant; this is why you need to book a table in advance.
time is money interj: (don't waste time)
SC 时间就是金钱 shí jiān jiù shì jīn qián
SC 一寸光阴一寸金 shí jiān jiù shì jīn qián，yí cùn guāng yīn yí cùn jīn
Wake up, you guys! Time is money!
time is running out n: (there is not much time left: before [sth] happens)
SC 没时间了，时间不多了
to err is human, to err is human, to forgive divine expr: proverb (it's natural to make mistakes)
SC 人非圣贤孰能无过
SC 犯错是人之常情
what is more adv: (moreover, in addition)
SC 而且 ér qiě
TC 而且
TC 而且
SC 除此以外 ér qiě，chú cǐ yǐ wài
The food served in that restaurant is not very good and, what is more, it's overpriced.
那家餐厅的菜不是很好吃，而且，价格还很贵。
What time is it? expr: (What hour is it?)
SC 现在几点？
What's good for the goose is good for the gander, What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander expr: figurative ([sth] should apply equally)
SC 一律平等
SC 同样适用
when all is said and done adv: informal (ultimately) (非正式用语)
SC 最后，结果，尘埃落定 zuì hòu，jié guǒ，chén āi luò dìng
TC 最後，結果
TC 最後，結果
When all's said and done, you've no right to an opinion on this.
where is: (in what location is)
SC 在哪里 zài nǎ lǐ
TC 在哪裡
TC 在哪裡
Where is the nearest highway heading north?
where [sb] is coming from expr: figurative, informal (know, grasp: [sb]'s perspective, reasoning)
SC 某人的看法
SC 某人的理由
woe is me interj: (expressing self-pity)
SC 我真是倒霉阿！我命好苦啊！ wǒ zhēn shì dǎo méi a ！wǒ mìng hǎo kǔ ɑ ！
I have such a tremendous amount of work: woe is me!