Chinese phrase
不是 bú shì
Meaning
no
When to use it
It gives a negative answer or says a statement is not true. It is a simple, direct reply in everyday conversation.
Example dialogue
你昨天见到小李了？ nǐ zuó tiān jiàn dào xiǎo lǐ le
Did you see Xiao Li yesterday?
不是，我昨天没见到他。 bú shì wǒ zuó tiān méi jiàn dào tā
No, I didn't see him yesterday.