Chinese grammar: Conceding a point with 是shi

When conceding a point, we often put emphasis on the point we concede, and in Chinese there is a way to do that in Chinese grammar.

Structure

"...是..., 但是..." (...shì..., dànshì...) is a pattern often used when conceding a point 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.

Adjective+是+Adjective+但是

Examples

Zhè ɡè dōnɡ xi hǎo shì hǎo , dàn shì tài ɡuì le.
这 个 东西 好 是 好，但是 太 贵 了。

This thing is good, but it isn't cheap.