A 是 A，not however + …
HSK 6- Emphasis
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 'A thì A thật, nhưng...' is used to acknowledge a point about A, then introduce a drawback or limitation.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This is a way of expressing emphatic concession. You repeat an adjective or verb in the structure A 是 A to acknowledge that "yes, it really is A," right before using 不过 (however, but) to introduce a contrasting point, typically a drawback.
This structure is very natural in spoken language, making your comment more tactful and balanced, rather than giving absolute praise or criticism.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 这件衣服好看是好看，不过太贵了。繁: 這件衣服好看是好看，不過太貴了。Zhè jiàn yīfu hǎokàn shì hǎokàn, bùguò tài guì le.
This shirt is attractive, but it's too expensive.
- 好吃是好吃，不过有点儿辣。繁: 好吃是好吃，不過有點兒辣。Hǎochī shì hǎochī, bùguò yǒudiǎnr là.
It tastes good, but it's a bit spicy.
- 他聪明是聪明，不过太懒了。繁: 他聰明是聰明，不過太懶了。Tā cōngmíng shì cōngmíng, bùguò tài lǎn le.
He is intelligent, certainly, but he is too lazy.
- 方便是方便，不过房租很高。繁: 方便是方便，不過房租很高。Fāngbiàn shì fāngbiàn, bùguò fángzū hěn gāo.
It is convenient, but the rent is very high.
- 去是去，不过我晚点儿到。繁: 去是去，不過我晚點兒到。Qù shì qù, bùguò wǒ wǎndiǎnr dào.
I'll go, but I'll arrive a bit late.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:这件衣服是好看，不过太贵了。Correct:这件衣服好看是好看，不过太贵了。
To create a concessive tone, the adjective or verb must be repeated in the "A 是 A" structure; saying only "是 A" is structurally incorrect.
- Wrong:好吃是好吃，但是有点儿辣。Correct:好吃是好吃，不过有点儿辣。
Although 但是 also means "but," in this structure people prefer to use 不过 or 就是 to create a softer transition of thought.