却是

• Pinyin: què shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 却 = 去 (go) + 卩 (kneeling person) — to retreat, but; 是 = 日 (sun) + 疋 (foot) — to be

Meaning

But actually is; however is; turns out to be. Used to introduce a contrasting fact.

A literary or formal way to express contrast, often used when reality differs from expectation. More emphatic than simple 却, it highlights the surprising or contrasting nature of what follows. Common in written Chinese and formal speech.

Examples

1. 表面上看起来简单，却是一道复杂的难题。 It looks simple on the surface, but is actually a complex problem.
2. 他平时沉默寡言，却是团队里最有想法的人。 He is usually quiet, but is actually the most creative person on the team.
3. 这部电影票房一般，却是当年最具影响力的作品之一。 This film had mediocre box office, but was actually one of the most influential works of the year.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, contrast, emphasis

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 看似平凡，却是不凡。(Seems ordinary, but is actually extraordinary.)
• 他年纪虽小，却是个高手。(Though young, he is actually an expert.)

Don't Say

• 不要在口语中过度使用'却是' (In casual speech, 但是 or 不过 sounds more natural — 却是 is more literary)

Origin & History

Compound of 却 (but, yet, however) and 是 (is). Together they create an emphatic contrast marker meaning 'but actually is.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal