然而

rán'ér

conjunction HSK 4 #2,563

Meanings

Tā hěn nǔlì, rán'ér háishi shībài le.

He worked very hard; however, he still failed.

Tiānqì yùbào shuō jīntiān huì xià yǔ, rán'ér tiānqì hěn hǎo.

The forecast said it would rain today; however, the weather is fine.

Zhège fāngfǎ hěn jiǎndān, rán'ér hěn yǒuxiào.

This method is simple, yet very effective.

grammar

然而 is more formal and literary than 但是 (dànshì) or 可是 (kěshì). Use 然而 in writing or formal speech; use 但是/可是 in everyday conversation.

usage

然而 is typically placed at the beginning of the second clause, introducing a contrast or unexpected turn.

然 rán

而 ér