～ことは～が
It is true that..., but...
You’ll be able to concede one fact before adding a limitation, reservation, or contrasting point.
珍しい鳥の写真を撮ったことは撮ったが、少しぼやけてしまいました。
mezurashii tori no shashin o totta koto wa totta ga, sukoshi boyakete shimaimashita.
What do you think this sentence means?
I did take a photo of the rare bird, but it turned out a bit blurry.
Concede a point before stating a qualification
[Word]ことは[Word]が repeats a verb or adjective to admit or confirm that a fact is true, before introducing a contrast, limitation, or disappointing follow-up ("it's true that..., but...", "I did..., but...").
行くことは行くけど、少し遅れるよ。
iku koto wa iku kedo, sukoshi okureru yo.
I will go, but I’ll be a little late.
おいしいことはおいしいが、ちょっと高い。
oishii koto wa oishii ga, chotto takai.
It is tasty, sure, but it is a bit expensive.
Repeat the verb or adjective around ことは...が
Repeat the same verb or adjective before and after ことは. Verb: [verb plain]ことは[same verb]が. Adjective: [adj]ことは[same adj]が.
このアパートは、静かなことは静かだが、駅から少し遠い。
kono apaato wa, shizuka na koto wa shizuka da ga, eki kara sukoshi tooi.
This apartment is certainly quiet, but it's a bit far from the station.
昨日部屋を掃除したことはしたけど、机の上はまだ散らかっている。
kinou heya o souji shita koto wa shita kedo, tsukue no ue wa mada chirakatte iru.
I did clean my room yesterday, but my desk is still a mess.
薬を飲んだことは飲んだが、まだ頭が痛い。
kusuri o nonda koto wa nonda ga, mada atama ga itai.
I did take the medicine, but my head still hurts.
このかばんは丈夫なことは丈夫だが、重くて持ち歩くのが大変だ。
kono kaban wa joubu na koto wa joubu da ga, omokute mochiaruku no ga taihen da.
This bag is certainly sturdy, but it’s so heavy that carrying it around is hard work.
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