Colloquial: X是X (Conceding a Point)
X是X
Use X是X to concede a point while introducing a contrast — "X is indeed X, but..."
The same word is placed on both sides of 是: "good is good (好是好)," "went is went (去是去了)." This concedes the truth of the first statement, then a contrast follows. It means "I admit X, but..."
The repeated word can be an adjective (好是好, 贵是贵), a verb with 了 (去是去了, 吃是吃了), or even a longer phrase. The contrast is typically introduced by 就是, 但, 不过, or 可是.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Colloquial: X是X (Conceding a Point) (X是X)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the X是X pattern
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Understanding X是X
X是X is an elegant colloquial device for making a concession before introducing a "but." When you say 好是好, you are saying "It IS good, I will give you that" — and the listener immediately expects a contrasting statement to follow. This pattern shows nuanced thinking: you acknowledge one side before presenting another. It is extremely common in spoken Chinese and makes your speech sound balanced and thoughtful. For example, 去是去了，就是不知道结果怎么样 means "I did go (I admit that), but I do not know how it turned out." The concession feels natural and conversational, much softer than directly jumping to the negative point.
Key Points
- Repeating a word around 是 concedes its truth: 好是好 = "Good, it is indeed good..."
- A contrasting "but" clause almost always follows, introduced by 就是, 但, 不过, etc.
- For verbs, add 了 to the second instance: 去是去了 (went, I did go).
- For adjectives, no 了 is needed: 贵是贵 (expensive, it is indeed expensive).
- The tone is concessive — you acknowledge reality before adding a reservation.
This pattern reflects the Chinese communication style of "giving face" (给面子, gěi miànzi). Rather than bluntly disagreeing, you first acknowledge the valid point, then gently introduce your concern. This approach maintains harmony and shows respect for the other person's perspective — a deeply valued social skill in Chinese culture.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
去是去了，就是不知道结果怎么样。
I did go, but I do not know how it turned out.
好是好，但不知道老师会不会同意。
It is good, but I am not sure if the teacher will agree.
贵是贵，不过质量确实不错。
It is expensive, I admit, but the quality is really good.
吃是吃了，就是没吃饱。
I did eat, but I did not eat enough.
漂亮是漂亮，可是不太实用。
It is beautiful, but it is not very practical.
他聪明是聪明，就是太懒了。
He is smart, no doubt, but he is just too lazy.
做是做了，不过做得不太好。
I did do it, but I did not do it very well.
便宜是便宜，就是怕质量不行。
It is cheap, sure, but I am afraid the quality is not good.
Common Mistakes
The word must be repeated on both sides of 是. Saying 好是 alone without the second 好 is incomplete.
When using a verb, the second instance usually needs 了 to indicate the action was completed: 去是去了.
Use a proper contrast word (可是, 不过, 就是, 但) to introduce the second half — do not repeat 是.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of X是X as "I will give you that" — it is a fair acknowledgment before your "but."
For verbs, remember to add 了: 看是看了, 做是做了, 买是买了.
For adjectives, no 了 needed: 好是好, 贵是贵, 漂亮是漂亮.
This pattern makes you sound diplomatic — use it when you want to soften criticism.
Homework
Write six X是X sentences: three using adjectives (好, 贵, 远, etc.) and three using verbs (去, 做, 吃, etc.). Each must have a contrasting clause using 就是, 不过, or 但.