JLPT N3 grammar

〜ことは〜がmeaning and usage

Meaning

Although A is true, C

How to form it

  • verb (dictionary form)ことはverb (dictionary form)が
  • verb (ta-form)ことはverb (ta-form)が
  • い-adjectiveことはい-adjectiveが
  • な-adjective (stem)なことはな-adjective (stem)だが

How it is used

Repeats the same word to concede a point and then qualify it: 'it is A, all right, but...'. The second half adds a shortcoming or reservation. In speech 「が」 can be replaced by 「けど」.

Examples

  1. この車はいいことはいいが燃費が悪い。

    This car has its good points, but its gas mileage is bad.

  2. レポートは書いたことは書いたが、自信がない。

    I did write the report, but I'm not confident about it.

  3. この店、おいしいことはおいしいけど、ちょっと高いね。

    This place is tasty, sure, but it's a bit pricey.