Fixed Phrase: 有的是 (There's Plenty Of)
有的是
Use 有的是 to emphasize abundance — that there is plenty of something
有的是 is a fixed phrase meaning "there is plenty of" or "there is no shortage of." The noun can come after 有的是, or 有的是 can come after the noun for emphasis.
有的是 is more emphatic than 有很多. It implies abundance to the point of not needing to worry. It is colloquial and confident in tone — used to reassure someone that there is no shortage.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Fixed Phrase: 有的是 (There's Plenty Of) (有的是)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 有的是 pattern
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Understanding 有的是
The expression 有的是 is a wonderfully emphatic way to say "there is plenty of" something. It goes beyond simply saying 有很多 (there are many) — it carries a tone of reassurance, confidence, and even generosity. When someone says 这儿水果有的是, they are essentially saying "Don't worry — we have more than enough fruit!" The phrase can appear in two positions: before the noun (有的是时间 — there's plenty of time) or after the noun (时间有的是 — time? There's plenty of it). The second position, with the noun first, is more emphatic and conversational. Despite looking like it contains 的 and 是, this is a fixed unit — you should memorize 有的是 as a single phrase meaning "abundance." It is very common in spoken Chinese and gives your language a natural, reassuring quality.
Key Points
- 有的是 (yǒu de shì) = "there is plenty of" — emphasizes abundance.
- More emphatic than 有很多 — it reassures the listener there is no shortage.
- Noun after: 有的是书 (there are plenty of books).
- Noun before (more emphatic): 书有的是 (books? There are plenty!).
- Often preceded by a place or context: 图书馆有的是书.
- Colloquial and confident in tone — typically used to reassure someone.
Chinese hospitality often involves reassuring guests that there is no shortage. At meals, hosts will say 菜有的是，多吃点儿 (There is plenty of food — eat more!). This reflects the deep cultural value of generosity and making guests feel welcome. Using 有的是 in these situations shows you understand the spirit of Chinese hospitality.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
咱们图书馆有的是书，你可以多看看。
Our library has plenty of books — you can read more.
Place + 有的是 + noun
这儿水果有的是，你多拿一点儿。
There is plenty of fruit here — take some more.
Noun + 有的是 (emphatic position)
别着急，时间有的是。
Don't worry — there is plenty of time.
我们家有的是地方，你们都住得下。
Our home has plenty of room — you can all stay.
机会有的是，不用急。
There are plenty of opportunities — no need to rush.
钱有的是，就是没有时间花。
There is plenty of money — just no time to spend it.
Common Mistakes
有的是 already means "plenty of" — adding 很多 is redundant. Just use 有的是 + noun.
有的是 is an emphatic affirmative phrase. It is not negated with 没. If you want to say you lack time, simply say 我没有时间.
Do not insert 了 in the middle of 有的是 + noun. The phrase is fixed and does not take aspect particles.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 有的是 as "no shortage of" — it is confident and reassuring.
Use it when someone is worried about not having enough: 别担心，有的是！
Remember: noun + 有的是 is more emphatic than 有的是 + noun.
Do not try to negate it — 有的是 is inherently positive and emphatic.
Homework
Write four sentences using 有的是 in different situations: one about time, one about food, one about money, and one about opportunities. Use both word orders (有的是 + noun AND noun + 有的是).