问题是，…
the trouble is; but the thing is
Structure
前面的说法（听起来没问题） ， 问题是 ， 真正的难处
What it means
'The trouble is …': after granting that something sounds fine, it brings in the difficulty that matters more.
How it is built
Point that sounds fine + ， + 问题是 + ， + the real snag: 这套房子哪儿都好，问题是离公司太远了 (the flat is fine in every way; the trouble is it's too far from the office).
When to use it
Speech, columns and commentary. 问题在于 is the more formal version; 可问题是 is sharper. It points back, so it cannot open a conversation.
Watch out
Not the plain question 问题是什么？ (what is the question?). Not for a mere extra point: ✗ 这套房子很大，问题是还很便宜 ✓ 这套房子很大，而且很便宜.
Examples
问题是，很多人不知不觉把额度当成了自己的钱。
The trouble is that many people slip into treating the limit as their own money.
这套房子哪儿都好，问题是离公司太远了。
The flat is fine in every way; the trouble is that it is too far from the office.
省钱的道理谁都懂，问题是真做起来太难。
Everyone knows why they should save; the thing is, actually doing it is very hard.
Learn this in Lesson 189 · HSK 7–9: 先花后还 (Spend now, pay later)
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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