Adj. + 是 + Adj. (conceding a point)

• Pinyin: shì
• Formation: Adj. + 是 + Adj.，但是/可是/就是 + Contrasting Clause
• Hanzi breakdown: 是 = 日 (sun) + 正 (correct) — originally meaning 'correct' or 'right,' now used as the copula and emphatic marker

Meaning

This pattern repeats an adjective with 是 in between to concede a point before introducing a contrasting statement with 但是 or 就是. It means 'it is indeed [adjective], but...'

The 'Adj. + 是 + Adj.' structure is a concessive pattern where the speaker acknowledges a quality before pivoting to a contrasting or qualifying point. It functions similarly to 'sure it's [adjective], but...' in English. The 是 here acts as an emphatic marker, not a copula. This pattern is very common in spoken Chinese and adds nuance to opinions — rather than flatly disagreeing, it shows the speaker is being fair-minded. The contrast clause typically uses 但是, 可是, or 就是. Learners sometimes forget to repeat the adjective or try to use this pattern with verbs, but it works specifically with adjectives and some stative verbs.

Examples

1. 这家餐厅好吃是好吃，就是太贵了。 This restaurant is tasty, sure, but it's just too expensive.
2. 他聪明是聪明，但是不够努力。 He's smart, sure, but he doesn't work hard enough.
3. 这件衣服好看是好看，可是颜色太深了。 This piece of clothing does look nice, but the colour is too dark.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, everyday

Tone: conversational

Do Say

• 这本书有趣是有趣，但是太长了。
• 工资高是高，就是工作压力太大。
• 方便是方便，可是质量不太好。
• 他忙是忙，还是抽时间来看我了。

Don't Say

• 这家餐厅好吃是好吃。(The concessive pattern requires a contrasting clause — without 但是/就是/可是 the sentence is incomplete) → 这家餐厅好吃是好吃，就是有点儿贵。
• 他去是去了，是太远了。(The contrasting clause needs a conjunction like 但是 or 就是 — 是 alone cannot introduce the contrast) → 他去是去了，但是太远了。
• 吃饭是吃饭，但是不饿。(This pattern works with adjectives, not plain verbs — 吃饭 is an action, not a quality to concede) → 饿是饿，但是不想吃。

Origin & History

This concessive pattern developed in vernacular Chinese as a way to soften disagreement. The repetition of the adjective with 是 mirrors the rhetorical technique of acknowledging before countering, which is deeply valued in Chinese communication culture.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal