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How to Say ‘This isn't the east gate’ in Simplified Chinese

这不是东门啊

zhè bù shì dōng mén a

[juh boo shi dōngmén ah]

💬 Usage Tip: 啊 at the end adds a tone of mild surprise or protest, like "hey, this isn't...". It points something out without sounding rude.

Phrase Breakdown

这不是

zhè bù shì

this isn't

不 (bù) changes to second tone (bú) before the fourth-tone 是 (shì), so say 'zhè bú shì'.

Example

这不是我的。

This isn't mine.

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 (!)

东门 (dōngmén) means 'east gate'. The 啊 (a) at the end shows surprise or a mild complaint.

Example

我在东门啊。

I'm at the east 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

a

[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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