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

This pattern is 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.

Adj. + 是 + Adj. ， 但是 / 就是 ⋯⋯

Examples

• 好吃 是 好吃 ，就是 不 太 健康 。Hǎochī shì hǎochī, jiùshì bù tài jiànkāng.It is tasty, but it's not very healthy.
• 这个 东西 好 是 好 ，就是 太 贵 了 。 Zhège dōngxi hǎo shì hǎo, jiùshì tài guì le.This thing is good, but it's too expensive.
• 工作 忙 是 忙 ，但是 我 很 开心 。Gōngzuò máng shì máng, dànshì wǒ hěn kāixīn.I am busy at work, but I'm very happy with my job.
• 这 件 衣服 便宜 是 便宜 ，但是 质量 不 太 好 。Zhè jiàn yīfu piányi shì piányi, dànshì zhìliàng bù tài hǎo.This piece of clothing may be cheap, but the quality isn't very good.
• 他 开 得 快 是 快 ，但是 不 安全 。 Tā kāi de kuài shì kuài, dànshì bù ānquán.He drives fast, but it isn't safe.

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

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