How to concede a point with 是 (shì) in Chinese
Adj. + 是 (shì) + Adj.， 但是 (dànshì)⋯⋯
是 (shì) — conceding a point
Adj. + 是 (shì) + Adj.， 但是 (dànshì)⋯⋯
HSK 4Complex Sentence Patterns是 (shì) — conceding a point
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.
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.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “conceding a point” in Chinese with 是?
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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More HSK 4 grammar rules
一…, 就… — as soon as
一 (yī) + Verb 1, 就 (jiù) + Verb 2
一方面 — on one hand… on the other
一方面 (yì fāngmiàn)⋯⋯，一方面 (yì fāngmiàn)⋯⋯
全 — whole, entire
全 (quán) + Measure Word + Noun
到 — until (time/place/degree)
Verb + 到 (dào) + Time / Place / Degree
连 + verb — not even
连 (lián) + Verb + 都 (dōu) + 不 (bù) / 没 (méi) + Verb
原来 — it turns out, originally
Subj. + 原来 (yuánlái) + Predicate
得 — must, have to
Subj. + 得 (děi) + Verb Phrase
不管 — no matter
不管 (bùguǎn)⋯⋯，都 (dōu) / 也 (yě)⋯⋯