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.

"但是"连接的第二个分句可以是好的、让人满意的方面或者相反的情况。"就是"连接的第二个分句一定是让人不满意的方面。

Examples

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.
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.
这件衣服便宜是便宜，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.
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.
这个办公楼好是好，但是交通不太方便。Zhège bàngōnglóu hǎo shì hǎo, dànshì jiāotōng bù tài fāngbiàn.This office building is great, but the transportation is not very convenient.
他女朋友漂亮是漂亮，就是有点矮。Tā nǚpéngyou piàoliang shì piàoliang, jiùshì gèzi yǒudiǎn ǎi.His girlfriend is pretty, but she is a little short.
玩得开心是开心，但是有点累。Wán de kāixīn shì kāixīn, dànshì yǒudiǎn lèi.We had lots of fun, but we were also a little tired after that.
这个老师严格是严格，但是她教得好。Zhège lǎoshī yángé shì yángé, dànshì tā jiāo de hǎo.This teacher is strict, but she teaches very well.
这个运动危险是危险，但是很刺激。Zhège yùndòng wēixiǎn shì wēixiǎn, dànshì hěn cìjī. This sport may be dangerous, but it's also very exciting.

Structure

Examples

See also

Sources and further reading

Books