Definition
然而 (rán'ér) is a formal, written conjunction meaning 'however, yet, but.' It is more literary than 但是 (dànshì) and 可是 (kěshì), which are common in everyday speech, and carries a stronger sense of contrast or concession. Use 然而 in essays, reports, or formal writing; in conversation, 但是 or 可是 sound more natural.
conjunction
howeveryetbut
Examples
- ，然而。Suīrán tiānqì hěn lěng, rán ér tā réngrán jiānchí pǎobù.Although the weather is very cold, he still insists on running.
- ，然而。Zhège chéngshì hěn dà, rán ér shēnghuó jiézòu hěn màn.This city is very big, yet the pace of life is very slow.
- ，然而。Tā gōngzuò hěn nǔlì, rán ér shōurù bù gāo.He works very hard, but his income is not high.
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