"But" StatementsHSK 5
The "however" adverb 却
却 is an adverb that emphasizes an unexpected contrast. It must follow the subject of the second clause, often used with 但是. A common mistake is placing 却 at the beginning of a sentence.
Structure
… ， (但是 +) Subj. + 却 + …
The first clause makes a statement; the second clause introduces a contrary point, often with 但是 before the subject; 却 cannot start a sentence.
Examples
- 他是老板，却没有人听他的。Tā shì lǎobǎn, què méiyǒu rén tīng tā de.He's the boss, but nobody listens to him.
- 他的学历很高，能力却很一般。Tā de xuélì hěn gāo, nénglì què hěn yībān.He's very well-educated, but his ability is average.
- 这件衣服虽然是名牌，但是质量却不怎么样。Zhè jiàn yīfu suīrán shì míngpái, dànshì zhìliàng què bù zěnmeyàng.Although this clothing is brand-name, the quality is not so good.
- 有些人智商很高，情商却很低。Yǒuxiē rén zhìshāng hěn gāo, qíngshāng què hěn dī.Some people have high IQ, but really low EQ.
- 他只有16岁，却比同龄人成熟得多。Tā zhǐyǒu shíliù suì, què bǐ tónglíng rén chéngshú de duō.He's only sixteen, but he's much more mature than others his age.