Conceding a point with "shi"

When conceding a point, we often put emphasis on the point we are conceding, and in Chinese there is a way to do that with 是 (shì).

Structure

"...是..., 但是..." (...shì..., dànshì...) is a pattern often used in an argument or debate. It's usually indicating that the speaker is conceding a point, but they still have some reservations about the topic at hand. Don't worry, the examples will make this clear.

Adjective + 是 + Adjective + 但是……

Examples

• 中国 的 产品 便宜 是 便宜，但是 质量 不 太 好。Chinese goods may be cheap, but their quality isn't very good.
• 这 个 东西 好 是 好，但是 太 贵 了。This thing is good, but it isn't cheap.
• 这 种 车 快 是 快，但是 不 安全。This car is fast, but it isn't safe.
• 我 的 老师 教 得 好 是 好，但是作业 太多。My teacher teaches well，but the assignments are too much.

See also

• Expressing Contrariness with "dao"
• "Not… But Rather…" with "er shi"

Sources and further reading

Books

• Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 180) →buy
• Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 22- 3) →buy
• Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (p. 119) →buy

HSK4