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 math teacher teaches well，but the assignments are too much.
See also
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
