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.

Examples

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.
这件衣服好看是好看，但是不适合我。 Zhè jiàn yīfu hǎokàn shì hǎokàn, dànshì bù shìhé wǒ. This piece of clothing looks good, but it doesn't look good on me.
这里的环境好是好，但是交通不太方便。 Zhèlǐ de huánjìng hǎo shì hǎo, dànshì jiāotōng bù tài fāngbiàn. This environment is great, but the transportation is not very convenient.
累是累，但是很值得。 Lèi shì lèi, dànshì hěn zhídé. It's tiring, but it's all worth it.
难是难，但是我相信我能做到。 Nán shì nán, dànshì wǒ xiāngxìn wǒ néng zuòdào. It is difficult, but I believe that I can do it.

When using 但是, the second clause can express positive experience or something satisfactory, as well as negative situations. However, when using 就是, the second clause needs to express something unsatisfactory.

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.
这个学生聪明是聪明，就是不太努力。 Zhège xuéshēng cōngming shì cōngming, jiùshì bù tài nǔlì. This student may be smart, but he's not very hardworking.
他女朋友漂亮是漂亮，就是有点矮。 Tā nǚpéngyou piàoliang shì piàoliang, jiùshì yǒudiǎn ǎi. His girlfriend is pretty, but she is a little short.
这个老师教得好是好，就是太严格。 Zhège lǎoshī jiāo de hǎo shì hǎo, jiùshì tài yángé. This teacher teaches very well; It's just she's too strict.

Conceding a point with "shi"

Contents

Structure

Examples

See also

Sources and further reading

Books