X是X，就是／不过……
X, sure, but…: grant a point, then give the catch
Structure
形容词 + 是 + 形容词 ， 就是／不过／可是 ……
What it means
“X, sure, but…”: grant a point, then give the catch. What really matters is the part after the comma.
How it is built
Adjective + 是 + same adjective，就是／不过／可是 + the catch: 这个工作累是累，不过我很喜欢 (This job is tiring, I admit, but I love it).
When to use it
Close to the stressed 是 (这家旅馆是有点儿远，不过……), but repeating the word makes the “I grant you” stronger. 就是 here means “it’s just that”.
Watch out
Use the same bare word on both sides: ✗ 好是很好 ✓ 好是好，就是……
Examples
长的定期好是好，就是钱不能随时取。
A long fixed deposit is good, sure, but you can’t take the money out whenever you like.
这个工作累是累，不过我很喜欢。
This job is tiring, I admit, but I love it.
北京的房子贵是贵，可是大家还是想买。
Flats in Beijing are expensive, sure, but everyone still wants to buy one.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 27: 存钱 (Saving money)
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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