而 (ér) — (conjunction) and, as well as (connecting parallel elements); (conjunction) but, yet (indicating contrast); (conjunction) because of, due to (indicating cause)
Definition
A classical/literary conjunction: links parallel elements ('and, yet'), sets up contrasts, or marks cause. Unlike the spoken 因为 or 由于, 而 is written/formal and never starts a clause by itself.
conjunction
andas well as (connecting parallel elements)butyet (indicating contrast)because ofdue to (indicating cause)
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
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