How to use 是
Adj. + 是 + Adj.， 但是⋯⋯
Repeating an adjective around 是 acknowledges a point before qualifying it. The speaker accepts that the description is true, but the following clause introduces a limitation, drawback, or different consideration. This is useful when balancing a favorable quality against a practical problem, or admitting a difficulty while defending the overall decision.
The subject can precede the repeated adjective or be understood from context. 但是 commonly introduces the reservation, while 就是 can give the second part a conversational “it is just that” feel. The repetition is not ordinary adjective intensification. Its purpose is to grant one part of an argument while signaling that this point alone does not settle the issue.
Examples with pinyin and English
工作忙是忙， 但是我很开心。
Work may be busy, but I'm very happy.
这件衣服好看是好看， 但是不适合我。
This piece of clothing may look nice, but it doesn't suit me.
这里的环境好是好， 但是交通不太方便。
This environment may be nice, but transportation is not very convenient.
累是累， 但是很值得。
It may be tiring, but it's really worth it.
What to remember
- Repeat the same adjective around 是.
- Follow the concession with the relevant reservation.
- The pattern acknowledges rather than merely intensifies.
Practise the pattern
Use one example as a model. Change the people, objects or situation, keeping the grammar pattern in the same order. Read the explanation again to check how your sentence uses the construction.
Look up the grammar words
Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.