ConjunctionsHSK 6
Indicating contrast with 则
则 is used in the second clause of a comparison to introduce a contrasting characteristic, equivalent to 却. It can be used with or without the conjunction 而 to add emphasis.
Structure
Subject + Predicate，则 + Subject + Predicate
the second clause introduces a contrasting characteristic
Clause 1，而 + Subject + 则 + Predicate
而 is optional but adds emphasis to the contrast
Examples
- 他很努力，则成绩并不理想。Tā hěn nǔlì, zé chéngjì bìng bù lǐxiǎng.He works very hard, yet his grades are not ideal.
- 他们都喜欢运动，则我更喜欢安静的活动。Tāmen dōu xǐhuān yùndòng, zé wǒ gèng xǐhuān ānjìng de huódòng.They all like sports, but I prefer quiet activities.
- 他想去旅行，而她则想留在家。Tā xiǎng qù lǚxíng, ér tā zé xiǎng liú zài jiā.He wants to travel, whereas she wants to stay at home.
- 这件事很重要，而我们则没有时间处理。Zhè jiàn shì hěn zhòngyào, ér wǒmen zé méiyǒu shíjiān chǔlǐ.This matter is very important, but we don't have time to deal with it.