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 nǔ lì, zé chéng jì bìng bù lǐ xiǎng.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。Tā men dōu xǐ huan yùn dòng, zé wǒ gèng xǐ huan ān jìng de huó dòng.They all like sports, but I prefer quiet activities.
- 他想去旅行，而她则想留在家。Tā xiǎng qù lǚ xíng, 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 zhòng yào, ér wǒ men zé méi yǒu shí jiān chǔ lǐ.This matter is very important, but we don't have time to deal with it.
Words that use this
- 则zé(literary) (conjunction used to express contrast with a previous clause) but; then; (bound form) standard; norm; (bound form) principle; (literary) to imitate; to follow; classifier for written items
- 则zé(literary) (conjunction used to express contrast with a previous clause) but; then; (bound form) standard; norm
- 而érand; as well as; and so; but (not); yet (not); (indicates causal relation); (indicates change of state); (indicates contrast)