倒是

dào shi

HSK 6

Meaning

contrary to what one might expect
actually
contrariwise
why don't you

Definition

用于口语，表示转折、出乎意料或对比，有时也用于强调或让步。

An adverb used in spoken Chinese to indicate contrast, unexpectedness, or concession; sometimes used for emphasis.

Usage

通常放在主语后谓语前，或者句首，表示与预期或前文情况相反，或引出对比、让步。

Usually placed after the subject and before the predicate, or at the beginning of a sentence, to indicate a contrast with what is expected or previously mentioned, or to express concession.

Examples

1 我倒是想帮忙，可是实在没空。(I would like to help, but I really don't have time.)
2 这个主意倒是不错。(This idea is actually quite good.)
3 他人倒是不坏，就是有点固执。(He is not really a bad person, just a bit stubborn.)
4 你倒是说句话呀！(Why don't you say something!)
5 我倒是不介意，就怕他不高兴。(I don't mind, but I'm afraid he will be unhappy.)

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