JLPT N3

ことは~が

Although it is true that ~

Structure

Verb/Adj ことは Verb/Adj が

How it works

This structure is used to acknowledge a fact while immediately introducing a qualification, contrast, or negative aspect. It follows a 'A is true, but B' pattern where the same verb or adjective is repeated before and after 'ことは'.

Examples

この辞書は高いことは高いが、とても役に立つ。

This dictionary is indeed expensive, but it is very useful.

料理は作ったことは作ったが、味はあまり美味しくない。

I did make the food, but it doesn't taste very good.

ピアノが弾けることは弾けるが、あまり上手ではありません。

I can play the piano, but I'm not very good at it.

Common mistakes

Forgetting to use the exact same word before and after 'ことは' (e.g., using a synonym instead of the identical verb/adjective).

Tip

Think of this as saying 'Yes, it's true that [X], but...'. The first half concedes a point, and the second half provides the counter-perspective.

More JLPT N3 grammar

としてに対してについてによってに関してにとってわけだわけがない

See ことは~が in real Japanese

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