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HSK 6 Fixed Phrase: 那倒（也）是 (That's True Enough)
The conversational fixed phrase 那倒（也）是 (nà dào [yě] shì) is used to acknowledge that another speaker's observation or argument is fair, true, or reasonable, especially when shifting perspective or conceding a point.
甲：坐高铁虽然贵一点，但是比坐大巴舒服多了。乙：那倒是。
Speaker B concedes that the comfort advantage is a valid point, even if price was a concern.
× 甲：今天下午的会议改到三点了吗？乙：那倒是。
With only this neutral request for a schedule fact, 那倒是 introduces an unexplained concessive stance. 是的 is the clearer response. Added prior disagreement could make a concessive reply appropriate, so this is a contextual usage judgment, not a universal ban on answering questions.
Corrected example: 甲：今天下午的会议改到三点了吗？乙：是的，刚发的通知。
Read the full explanation and examples
Core Meaning and Conversational Role
In the HSK 6 outline, 那倒（也）是 is listed under fixed phrases (固定短语) as a conversational expression. In spoken Mandarin, it translates closely to English expressions like "That's true enough," "Fair point," or "Come to think of it, that's true." Rather than expressing enthusiastic or newly discovered agreement from the start, it signals that the listener is conceding a valid point or recognizing a reasonable aspect of what the other person just said.
- 那 (nà) refers back to the specific observation, reason, or assessment just stated by the other speaker.
- 倒 (dào) adds a subtle tone of concession or mild shift in expectation, showing that even if one had reservations, this particular point holds water.
- 也 can add an “also/that too” nuance to the acknowledgment. In some contexts the response sounds reflective, but the particle alone does not establish extra politeness, a slower pace or an actual process of reconsideration.
- 是 (shì) confirms that the observation is valid or accurate.
Common Dialogue Patterns
The phrase acknowledges a point recoverable from the conversation. It can stand alone or follow a brief lead-in: 你这么一说，那倒也是. A supporting reason or reservation may follow; it need not be the first words of a turn.
甲：坐高铁虽然贵一点，但是比坐大巴舒服多了。乙：那倒是。
Speaker B concedes that the comfort advantage is a valid point, even if price was a concern.
甲：他这人脾气急，不过办事效率确实高。乙：那倒也是，交给他办的事从来没耽误过。
Adding 也 makes the agreement sound thoughtful, and Speaker B follows up with supporting evidence.
甲：现在网上买菜多方便啊，不用自己拎上楼。乙：那倒是，可我还是喜欢自己挑新鲜的。
Speaker B acknowledges the convenience before pivoting back to their own preference.
As seen in the third example above, speakers frequently use 那倒（也）是 to grant the other person's point before introducing a personal preference or practical limitation with words like 不过 (bùguò), 可是 (kěshì), or 但是 (dànshì). This makes disagreement sound polite and balanced rather than dismissive.
Nuance and Useful Contrasts
是的, 对 and 没错 can confirm facts or agree with an evaluation. 那倒（也）是 adds a concession or a shift of emphasis: the speaker grants this point, sometimes while retaining another concern. The distinction is conversational stance, not a rigid division between facts and opinions.
- 是的 / 对 (shì de / duì): Used for direct factual confirmation, answering yes-or-no questions, or expressing straightforward, unqualified agreement.
- 那倒是 (nà dào shì): Concedes that a specific comparison, reason, or perspective is true, often when the speaker had initially focused on a different side of the issue.
- 那倒也是 can acknowledge “that is also true.” Depending on delivery, it can be reflective, quick or even ironic. It does not require a slower, more thoughtful response than 那倒是.
甲：请问你是张经理吗？乙：是的，请进。
For a plain identity check, 是的 directly confirms who the speaker is. 那倒是 would add a marked attitude requiring extra context.
Usage Limits and Common Learner Mistakes
For a plain question about a meeting time, 是的 or 对 directly confirms the information. 那倒是 adds a concessive attitude that the bare schedule question has not supplied. But question form itself is not forbidden: 这不是更省时间吗？—那倒是 contains a point the listener can acknowledge.
× 甲：今天下午的会议改到三点了吗？乙：那倒是。
With only this neutral request for a schedule fact, 那倒是 introduces an unexplained concessive stance. 是的 is the clearer response. Added prior disagreement could make a concessive reply appropriate, so this is a contextual usage judgment, not a universal ban on answering questions.
Corrected example: 甲：今天下午的会议改到三点了吗？乙：是的，刚发的通知。
甲：今天下午的会议改到三点了吗？乙：是的，刚发的通知。
Correct replacement: Use 是的 (or 对) to confirm a factual yes-or-no question.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any grammatical difference between 那倒是 and 那倒也是?
They occupy the same response position in these models. 也 can add “also/that too,” but it does not automatically make the reply softer or more reflective. Context and intonation carry much of that effect.
Can I use 那倒（也）是 in a formal HSK essay?
It suits dialogue and an interactive argumentative voice. In a detached formal essay, 这一点确实如此 is often a clearer written alternative. A formal text can still quote or discuss the phrase; register advice is not a prohibition on every written occurrence.
Where does 那倒（也）是 appear in the HSK syllabus?
In the supplied HSK 3.0 outline (edition 2025-11, implementation label 2026-07), it is listed at Level 6 under fixed phrases (短语 -> 固定短语 -> 其他). Remember that syllabus levels define the reference outline rather than guaranteeing what will appear on a specific test administration.
