To make simple sentences in Mandarin using the verb "to be," which is 是 (shì), just follow these easy steps:

1. Basic Structure: The sentence is made up this way: Subject + 是 + Complement.

   • Example: 我是学生 (Wǒ shì xuéshēng) means "I am a student."

2. Asking Questions: If you want to turn a statement into a question, just add 吗 (ma) at the end.

   • Example: 你是老师吗？(Nǐ shì lǎoshī ma?) means "Are you a teacher?"

3. Saying No: If you want to say something is not true, use 不是 (bù shì).

   • Example: 他不是医生 (Tā bù shì yīshēng) means "He is not a doctor."

4. Helpful Words: It’s helpful to know some common nouns for your sentences:

   • 学生 (xuéshēng) - student
   • 老师 (lǎoshī) - teacher
   • 医生 (yīshēng) - doctor

5. Practice: Try making your own sentences using different subjects and complements to get better!