是 (stressed)
it really is; I admit (agreeing that something is true, often before 不过 or 就是)
Structure
主语 + 是 + 形容词／动词（重读）
What it means
A stressed 是 before an adjective or verb agrees that something really is so, often as an admission before a “but”: 中文是很难 “Chinese really is hard (you’re right)”.
How it is built
Subject + 是 (said a little louder) + adjective / verb: 这家旅馆是有点儿远，不过很便宜 (It is a bit far, I grant you, but it’s cheap). With a verb: 他是来过 (He did come).
When to use it
Use it to agree or concede, often before 不过, 可是 or 就是. An adjective normally follows 很 with no 是: 中文很难 is just a description.
Watch out
Leave 是 out of plain descriptions: say 我很忙. Say 我是很忙 only when you mean “I really am busy”.
Examples
你说得对，中文是很难。
You’re right, Chinese really is hard.
这家旅馆是有点儿远，不过很便宜。
This guesthouse is a bit far, I grant you, but it’s cheap.
他是来过，可是没找到你。
He did come, but he couldn’t find you.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 24: 演唱会 (The concert)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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