HSK 2 · VERSION 2.0#67
Explaining the Purpose of Coming with “shì...de”
是来……的
How it works
The pattern 是来 + Verb Phrase + 的 identifies the purpose of someone’s coming, often in response to an understood question such as “Why are you here?” It is a focused explanation, not a general-purpose marker.
The pattern
Subject + 是 + 来 + Verb Phrase + 的 Examples
我是来学习汉语的。
I came here to study Chinese.
他是来找朋友的。
He came to look for a friend.
我们是来买东西的。
We came to buy things.
Usage note
This pattern often answers an unspoken question like “Why did you come?”