Conceding a point with "shi"

Chinese-grammar-wiki-shi.jpg

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 好吃但是 不 太 健康 。Hǎochī shì hǎochī, dànshì bù tài jiànkāng.It is tasty, but it's not very healthy.
  • 这个 东西 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 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 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 但是 不 安全 。 Tā kāi de kuài shì kuài, dànshì bù ānquán.He drives fast, but it isn't safe.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

HSK4