倒是 (dào shì) — contrary to what one might expect; actually (highlights surprise or contrast); why don't... (in a soft suggestion, often with an imperative tone)

Definition

Examples

• 外面下着雨，他倒是带了伞。
  Wài miàn xià zhe yǔ, tā dào shì dài le sǎn.
  It's raining outside, but he actually brought an umbrella.
• 他平时不爱说话，这次倒是主动上台发言了。
  Tā píng shí bú ài shuō huà, zhè cì dào shì zhǔ dòng shàng tái fā yán le.
  He doesn't usually talk much, but this time he actually took the initiative to speak on stage.
• 你倒是说句话呀，别光站着。
  Nǐ dào shì shuō jù huà ya, bié guāng zhàn zhe.
  Why don't you say something? Don't just stand there.

Origin

Grammar