倒是 dàoshì contrary to what one might expect
contrary to what one might expect; actually; contrariwise; why don't you
How to remember 倒是: 倒 collapse + 是 is = contrary to what one might expect.
Characters
How it is used
- 'Actually/contrary to expectation' - flags a turn against what one assumed: 他倒是挺高兴 (tā dàoshì tǐng gāoxìng) he's actually quite happy (surprisingly).
- Also softens a suggestion/mild challenge: 你倒是说话呀 (nǐ dàoshì shuōhuà ya) come on, say something!
- Here 倒 reads dào (contrary); 倒是 concedes or contrasts: 东西不贵，质量倒是不错.
- Often signals a mild 'but' or an unexpected upside.
Example sentences
- 这倒是事实。 Zhèdào shì shìshí.That’s actually the truth.