TongTong
Sign in

而 (ér) — and; yet (literary connector between parallel elements, often adjectives or clauses); but, yet (indicating contrast); because of, due to (literary, indicating cause)

Definition

A formal/written connector. Use 而 for 'and' or 'yet' between parallel adjectives or clauses; it is more literary than 以及. The sense 'because of' is rare — learners should use 因为 instead.

conjunction
andyet (literary connector between parallel elements, often adjectives or clauses)butyet (indicating contrast)because ofdue to (literary, indicating cause)
Easily confused

Examples

  • 而。
    Zhè ge wèn tí jiǎn dān ér zhòng yào.
    This question is simple yet important.
  • 而。
    Tā shì yí gè cōng ming ér qín fèn de xué shēng.
    He is a smart and diligent student.
  • 而。
    Tā yīn shēng bìng ér qǐng jià.
    He took leave because of illness.

Grammar

Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 4500 Most Frequent Chinese WordsHSK 2.0 Level 41000 Most Frequent Chinese Words2000 Most Frequent Chinese Words3000 Most Frequent Chinese Words

Browse more HSK 4 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.