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How to concede a point with 是 (shì) in Chinese

Adj. + 是 (shì) + Adj.， 但是 (dànshì)⋯⋯

Conceding a point with "是 (shì)"

HSK 4Complex Sentence Patterns

Rule structure

是 (shì) can be reduplicated with a verb or adjective to concede a point: "it is true that…, but…". It emphasizes the concession before a contrast.

Examples

这东西好是好，但是太贵了。

Zhè dōngxi hǎo shì hǎo, dànshì tài guì le.

This thing is good, alright, but it’s too expensive.

Practice

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Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Conceding a point with "是 (shì)"” in Chinese?

Use the structure: Adj. + 是 (shì) + Adj.， 但是 (dànshì)⋯⋯. For example: 这东西好是好，但是太贵了。 — “This thing is good, alright, but it’s too expensive.”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

这东西好是好，但是太贵了。 — “This thing is good, alright, but it’s too expensive.”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 4.

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