HSK 4
⋯⋯， 然而⋯⋯
⋯ ⋯ ， rán ér ⋯ ⋯
However, but (然而)
Explanation
然而 (rán'ér) is a conjunction (a word linking clauses) used to shift to an idea that is the OPPOSITE of what was just said, like "however", "but" in Vietnamese, forming a contrastive compound sentence (转折复句 zhuǎnzhé fùjù — a compound sentence whose second clause contradicts the first).
clause 1, 然而 rán'ér + clause 2 (clause 2 states something contrary to or unexpected compared with clause 1).
when you want to state a situation and then add something contrary, usually with a formal tone.
然而 and 但是 dànshì (but) both indicate a shift in idea; 然而 is more formal and often used in written language, while 但是 is natural in everyday conversation.
Vietnamese learners often pair 虽然 suīrán (although) with 然而; the correct pair is 虽然...但是, whereas 然而 usually stands alone at the beginning of the second clause and does not need 虽然 in the first clause.
Examples
I know Chinese is very useful; however, Chinese is also too difficult.
He said he doesn't like this movie; however, I find it very interesting.
Practice
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Learn “⋯⋯， 然而⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “⋯⋯， 然而⋯⋯” (However, but (然而)) is one of the key structures at HSK 4. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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