# Có điều: the only thing is, but in Vietnamese (B1)

> Có điều brings in the one drawback after something good, like "the only thing is …" or "it's just that …": Quán này ngon, có điều hơi đông.

Source: https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/co-dieu-only-thing/ · Updated 2026-10-17

**the only thing is, but**

Pattern: `[A], (chỉ) có điều (là) + [B]`

Level: B1 (our estimate) · Register: everyday

Typed without accents: co dieu

*Có điều* brings in the one drawback after something good, like "the only thing is …" or "it's just that …": *Quán này ngon, có điều hơi đông.* This place is good; the only thing is, it's a bit crowded. First comes what you like or agree with, then *có điều* and the catch.

*Chỉ có điều* adds *chỉ* (only) and makes the problem sound smaller. *Là* can follow either form: *Ý tưởng hay đó, có điều là hơi tốn tiền.*

You know *nhưng* (but), which simply sets two facts against each other. *Có điều* agrees first and then adds a reservation, so it sounds softer. It's a kind way to turn down an invitation: *Em cũng muốn đi lắm, có điều tuần này em bận.* I'd really like to come; it's just that I'm busy this week.

*Được cái* is its mirror image: the drawback first, then the one good thing. *Phòng hơi nhỏ, được cái sạch.* The room's a bit small, but at least it's clean. *Phòng sạch, có điều hơi nhỏ.* The room's clean; the only thing is, it's a bit small.

*X thì X, nhưng* tips the other way: *Ngon thì ngon, nhưng đông quá* grants the good point, then lets the objection win. After *có điều*, the good point still stands.

## Examples

- Quán này ngon, có điều hơi đông. — This place is good; the only thing is, it's a bit crowded.
- Căn hộ này đẹp, chỉ có điều hơi xa chỗ làm. — This flat is lovely; it's just a bit far from work.
- Em cũng muốn đi lắm, có điều tuần này em bận. — I'd really like to come; it's just that I'm busy this week.
- Ý tưởng hay đó, có điều là hơi tốn tiền. — That's a good idea; the only thing is, it's a bit pricey.

## Compare

- [But: nhưng](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/nhung-but/): but
- [At least it has this: được cái](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/duoc-cai/): the one good thing is
- [Granted it is X, but …: X + thì + X, nhưng …](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/thi-thi-concessive/): X it may be, but

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