Conceding a point with "shi"

Chinese-grammar-wiki-shi.jpg

When conceding a point, we often put emphasis on the point we concede, and in Chinese there is a way to do that.

Structure

"...是..., 但是..." (...shì..., dànshì...) is a pattern often used when conceding a point 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 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 好,但是 不 便宜。This thing is good, but it isn't cheap.
  • 那 辆 汽车 快 快,但是 不 安全。That car is fast, but it isn't safe.
  • 我的 数学 老师 教得 好 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

HSK4