be
word
/ˈbi/, /bi/
BEE
/bˈiː/
BEE
Definition
To exist, happen, or have a particular state or quality. It is used as a main verb or auxiliary verb in many tenses and forms.
Usage & Nuances
Extremely common and irregular verb; essential for forming continuous, passive, and perfect tenses. Often confused by learners with other verbs meaning 'exist' or 'live'. It changes form (am, is, are, was, were, been). Used in many idioms and expressions.
Spanish: ser - estarPortuguese (BR): ser - estarPortuguese (PT): ser - estarChinese (Simplified): 是 - 在Chinese (Traditional): 是 - 在Hindi: होनाArabic: يكونBengali: হওয়াRussian: бытьJapanese: である - いるVietnamese: làKorean: 이다 - 있다Turkish: olmakUrdu: ہوناIndonesian: adalah - menjadi
Example Sentences
I am happy today.
basic
We are students at this school.
basic
She was at the store yesterday.
basic
Where are you going tonight?
natural
It is what it is.
natural
I’ll be there in five minutes.
natural