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Conceding a point with 是 ("shi4")

是 shì

Grammar
HSK 3

Structure

Adj. + 是 + Adj. ， 但是 / 就是 ⋯⋯

Definition

使用“是”来先承认对方观点或事实，再表示转折或提出不同意见。结构为“A是A，但是/可是/不过...”，意为“确实A是这样的，但是...”。

Using '是' to first concede a point or acknowledge a fact, then introduce a contrast or different opinion. The structure is 'A是A, 但是/可是/不过...', meaning 'It is true that A, but...'.

Usage

常用于口语和书面语，先肯定对方的说法或某个事实，然后通过转折词引出相反或补充的信息。使用时重复同一个词、短语或形容词，中间加“是”，后面接转折句。

Commonly used in both spoken and written language. It first affirms the other person's statement or a fact, then uses a conjunction to introduce opposing or additional information. The pattern repeats the same word, phrase, or adjective, inserts '是' between them, and follows with a clause of contrast.

Examples

  • 1 这东西好是好，就是太贵了。 (This thing is good, but it's too expensive.)
  • 2 他去是去，不过要晚一点。 (He will go, but he will be a bit late.)
  • 3 我同意是同意，但有些细节需要讨论。 (I agree, but there are some details to discuss.)
  • 4 这个方法简单是简单，可是效率不高。 (This method is simple, but it's not efficient.)
  • 5 你聪明是聪明，可是不够努力。 (You are smart, but you don't work hard enough.)

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