# ことは～が: although it is true that

> Learn how to use ことは～が, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning although it is true that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-koto-wa-ga/

**ことは～が** means **although it is true that**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **admit one point while contrasting it with a limitation**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **admit one point while contrasting it with a limitation**, **ことは～が** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does ことは～が mean?

Use **ことは～が** when you want to **admit one point while contrasting it with a limitation**.

Natural translations include:
- although it is true that
- although it is true that
- although it is true that

## How to form ことは～が

Plain form + ことは + same word + が

Examples of the pattern:
- できることはできるが
- 安いことは安いが
- 好きなことは好きだが

## When is ことは～が used?

Use **ことは～が** in situations like:
- explaining context clearly
- answering JLPT reading questions
- making natural Japanese sentences

Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## ことは～が example sentences

- 読めることは読めるが、意味はよく分からない。 — I can read it, but I do not really understand the meaning.
- 安いことは安いが、品質が心配だ。 — It is cheap, but I am worried about the quality.
- 好きなことは好きだが、毎日は食べたくない。 — I do like it, but I do not want to eat it every day.
- 行きたいことは行きたいが、時間がない。 — I do want to go, but I do not have time.
- 便利なことは便利だが、少し高い。 — It is convenient, but a little expensive.

## Nuance of ことは～が

The key nuance is **a practical way to express “although it is true that” with the right level of emphasis**.

This matters because **ことは～が** does more than translate one English phrase. It tells the reader how the speaker is framing the situation, whether as emphasis, contrast, obligation, approximation, or evidence.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **けれど**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## ことは～が vs けれど

Both **ことは～が** and **けれど** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**ことは～が**:
- means **although it is true that**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**けれど**:
- けれど simply contrasts; ことは～が first concedes that the statement is technically true

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 読めることは読れるが、意味はよく分からない。 — I can read it, but I do not really understand the meaning.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **けれど** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with ことは～が

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using ことは～が with the wrong form
- Confusing ことは～が with けれど
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence

## Is ことは～が on the JLPT?

Yes. **ことは～が** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for ことは～が

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using ことは～が.
- Contrast ことは～が with けれど.
- Make a JLPT-style sentence with a clear context.

## Learning path for ことは～が

To learn **ことは～が** efficiently, review と言う and quotation basics, then practice whether the sentence reports, defines, rephrases, or introduces a topic.

1. First, make sure you can form **ことは～が** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [ということだ](/blog/n3-to-iu-koto-da/), [というのは](/blog/n3-to-iu-nowa/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences about news, explanations, names, and hearsay; then check whether replacing **ことは～が** with [と言うと（というと）](/blog/n3-to-iu-to/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [ということだ](/blog/n3-to-iu-koto-da/) — because it is another pattern for quoting, defining, or reporting information.
- [というのは](/blog/n3-to-iu-nowa/) — because it is another pattern for quoting, defining, or reporting information.
- [と言うと（というと）](/blog/n3-to-iu-to/) — because it is another pattern for quoting, defining, or reporting information.
- [と言えば（といえば）](/blog/n3-to-ieba/) — because it is another pattern for quoting, defining, or reporting information.

## Learn ことは～が with Hane

If you want to review **ことは～が** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)