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How to Say ‘Driver, this isn't the east gate.’ in Simplified Chinese

师傅，这不是东门啊。

shī fù zhè bù shì dōng mén a

[shir-foo juh boo shi dōngmén ah]

🇨🇳 In China: 师傅 (shī fu) is the standard respectful way to address taxi drivers and other skilled workers. Using it keeps a complaint friendly.

Phrase Breakdown

师傅，

shī fù

Driver,

This is a polite way to get the driver's attention. Say it as 'shīfu', with a light second syllable.

Example

师傅，停一下。

Driver, stop for a moment.

Words in this phrase

师傅

shī fù

[shir-foo]

driver; sir; master

A polite way to address a taxi driver, repair worker, or other skilled worker in China.

Example

师傅，这个路线对吗？

Driver, is this route correct?

这不是

zhè bù shì

this isn't

不 (bù) becomes second tone (bú) before the fourth-tone 是 (shì).

Example

这不是我的包。

This isn't my bag.

Words in this phrase

这

zhè

[juh]

this

A demonstrative meaning “this,” used to point to something near the speaker.

Example

这个活动来了很多公司代表。

Many company representatives came to this event.

不

bù

[boo]

not

不 is the basic negative word meaning 'not' or 'no.'

Example

我不是故意的。

I didn't do it on purpose.

是

shì

[shi]

is; are

Indicates existence or identity.

Example

他是一个很好的人。

He is a very good person.

东门啊。

dōng mén a

the east gate!

The 啊 (a) at the end makes this a gentle protest: 'this isn't the east gate!'

Example

这是西门啊。

This is the west gate!

Words in this phrase

东门

dōng mén

[dōngmén]

east gate

The east entrance of a park, building or compound.

Example

东门人很多。

There are many people at the east gate.

啊

[ah]

ah; particle for tone or emotion

Adds a natural spoken tone of surprise in a question.

Example

真的啊？我太意外了。

Really? I’m so surprised.

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