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How to Say ‘You have to choose "yes" or "no"’ in Traditional Chinese

要選「是」或「不是」

yào xuǎn shì huò bù shì

[yao shywen shì huò bù shir]

💬 Usage Tip: 或 (huò) "or" is for options in a statement. In a question you'd use 還是 instead: 你要茶還是咖啡？ "tea or coffee?".

Phrase Breakdown

要選「是」

yào xuǎn shì

need to choose 'yes'

要 (yào) means 'need to'. 選 (xuǎn) means 'choose'. 是 (shì) here means 'yes'.

Example

你要選哪一個？

Which one do you want to choose?

Words in this phrase

要

yào

[yao]

need to; should

Used to express necessity or advice.

Example

身體不舒服就要看醫生。

If you don't feel well, you should see a doctor.

選

xuǎn

[shywen]

choose; select

Used when choosing a bean origin or roast type.

Example

今天我選中焙，不選深焙。

Today I choose medium roast, not dark roast.

是

shì

[shì]

yes

Used as an answer meaning 'yes; it is so'.

Example

請回答「是」。

Please answer 'yes'.

或「不是」

huò bù shì

or 'no'

或 (huò) means 'or'. 不是 (bú shì) means 'no' or 'is not'. 不 changes to the second tone before the fourth-tone 是.

Example

喝茶或咖啡？

Tea or coffee?

Words in this phrase

或

huò

[huò]

Used to introduce an alternative or approximation

Example

你想喝茶或咖啡？

Do you want tea or coffee?

不

bù

[bù]

not

Used to express negation, denial, or refusal.

Example

他不想去參加晚會。

He doesn't want to attend the party.

是

shì

[shir]

to be

The verb 'to be,' often used in identities or simple statements.

Example

他也是常來這裡的人。

He is also someone who often comes here.

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