却是

卻是

quèshì

conjunction HSK 6

Meanings

1 but actually; nevertheless
2 however, it is; yet it turns out to be

Characters

but; yet; however

But it is — used to introduce a surprising or contrasting fact.

Examples

他看起来很年轻，却是三个孩子的父亲。

Tā kànqǐlái hěn niánqīng, quèshì sān gè háizi de fùqīn.

He looks very young, but is actually the father of three children.

这道菜做法简单，味道却是一流的。

Zhè dào cài zuòfǎ jiǎndān, wèidào quèshì yīliú de.

This dish is simple to make, yet the taste is first-rate.

事实却是相反的。

Shìshí quèshì xiāngfǎn de.

The truth is actually the opposite.

Tips

usage

却是 is more literary than 但是. It highlights an unexpected contrast — 'surprisingly, it is...' Use 但是 for neutral contrast and 却是 for surprising or ironic contrast.

Stroke Order

却 què

是 shì