Japanese grammar
What does ～ことは～が mean? Japanese grammar N3
～ことは～が means it is true that ~, but…; although….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vる + ことは + Vる + が い形 + ことは + い形 + が な形 + な + ことは + な形 + だが |
| Romaji | kotoha ga |
| Meaning | it is true that ~, but…; although… |
Forming it
| Verb | 読む ことは 読む が |
|---|---|
| i-adjective | 面白い ことは 面白い が |
| na-adjective | 親切な ことは 親切だ が |
How to use it
Acknowledges part of what the other person said, then states a reservation. Repeats the same word twice.
- The structure requires REPEATING the same word: 「面白いことは面白いが、長すぎる」 (it's interesting, sure, but it's too long).
- The second clause is always a downside or a caveat — this is a way of hedging, not directly denying something.
- 「が」 can be replaced with 「けど・けれど」 for a more casual tone. The form 「～ことには～が」 also occurs but is less common.
Examples
この映画は面白いことは面白いが、少し長すぎる。
This movie is interesting, sure, but it is a bit too long.
彼は親切なことは親切だが、少し無口だ。
He is kind enough, but he is a bit quiet.
Keep in mind
- The same word must be repeated in both clauses.
- For na-adjectives: the first clause is 「なことは」, the second is 「だが」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこの映画は面白いことは長すぎるが。
This movie is good, sure, but it's too long.
Correctこの映画は面白いことは面白いが、長すぎる。
Both sides of 「ことは」 must be the SAME word; the downside goes after 「が」.
-
Wrong彼は親切なことは親切なが、無口だ。
He's kind, sure, but he's quiet.
Correct彼は親切なことは親切だが、無口だ。
The na-adjective in the second part uses 「だ」 before 「が」.
Exam tips
- 「AことはAが」 = A is indeed A, but...; must repeat the exact same word.