Processing keyword: ～ことは…が (～koto wa... ga)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ことは…が (～koto wa... ga)

1. Introduction

The grammar pattern ～ことは...が (～koto wa... ga) is used to acknowledge a fact while expressing reservations or limitations about it. It often translates to "It is true that..., but...", allowing the speaker to concede a point before introducing a contrasting statement.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Acknowledgment with Reservations: This pattern is used to admit that something is true, but there are conditions, limitations, or issues that temper the statement.

Structure

The basic structure is:

Plain form of the verb/adjective + ことは + plain form of the verb/adjective + が/けれど

• Verb Example:
  • 食べることは食べるが、あまり好きではない。
  • I do eat it, but I don't like it very much.
• Adjective Example:
  • 便利なことは便利だが、高すぎる。
  • It is convenient, but it's too expensive.

Formation Diagram

Part	Function
Verb/Adjective (plain)	State the fact to acknowledge
ことは	Nominalizer + Topic marker
Verb/Adjective (plain)	Reiterate the fact
が/けれど	Conjunctive particle meaning "but/however"
Following Clause	Introduce the limitation or contrast

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ～けど／が: Simply using "けど" or "が" after a statement to contrast it.
  • Example: 行きたいけど、時間がない。
    • I want to go, but I don't have time.
• ～には～が: Another pattern to acknowledge something with reservations.
  • Example: おいしいにはおいしいが、量が少ない。
    • It's delicious, but the portion is small. Difference:
• ～ことは...が specifically emphasizes the acknowledgment by repeating the verb or adjective before adding the contrasting "が".

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal (Written)
   • この本は面白いことは面白いが、専門的すぎて理解しにくい。
     • This book is interesting, but it's too technical to understand easily.
2. Informal (Spoken)
   • 彼に会うことは会ったけど、話せなかった。
     • I did meet him, but I couldn't talk to him.
3. Polite Form
   • 日本語を勉強したことは勉強しましたが、まだ上手ではありません。
     • I have studied Japanese, but I'm not good at it yet.
4. Negative Form
   • 試験は受けなかったことはないが、自信がない。
     • It's not that I didn't take the exam, but I'm not confident.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese communication, it's common to soften statements or avoid direct negations. Using ～ことは...が allows the speaker to acknowledge a point while politely expressing disagreement or hesitation, adhering to the cultural emphasis on harmony and indirectness.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 元気なことは元気です
  • I'm fine, but...
  • Often used when someone is not completely well but doesn't want to cause worry.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Omitting the Repetition: Forgetting to repeat the verb or adjective before "が".
  • Incorrect: 行くことはが、時間がない。
  • Correct: 行くことは行くが、時間がない。
• Using the Wrong Form: Not using the plain form for the verb or adjective.
  • Incorrect: 行きますことは行きますが、時間がない。
  • Correct: 行くことは行くが、時間がない。

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "AことはAがB" as "It's true that A, but B".
• Practice: Create sentences by acknowledging something you do, but add a contrasting point.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Usage: ～ことは...が is used to admit something is true while introducing a contrasting point.
• Structure: Plain verb/adjective + ことは + same verb/adjective + が
• Cultural Note: Reflects the Japanese preference for indirect communication and politeness.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blanks:
   • 高いことは ______ が、品質がいいです。
2. Is the following sentence correct? If not, correct it:
   • 便利なこと便利だが、デザインが好きではない。 Answers:
3. 高いことは 高い が、品質がいいです。
4. Incorrect. Correct sentence:
   • 便利なことは便利だが、デザインが好きではない。

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By understanding and practicing this grammar pattern, you'll be able to express nuanced thoughts, acknowledging facts while politely introducing contrasts or reservations.

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