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March 24, 2026
然而rán’ér(ran2er2)
然而 (rán ér) is a conjunction meaning 'however' or 'but.' It is often used to introduce a contrasting idea or to emphasize a point that is contrary to what has been previously stated. This word is commonly found in both written and spoken Chinese, particularly in formal contexts.
Frequency#2563DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese rhetoric, using contrasting ideas is a common technique in both literature and everyday conversation. 然而 exemplifies this practice, illustrating the importance of nuanced expression in Chinese discourse.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'rainy' day (然) turning into a 'hot' day (而) when you least expect it. The transition from rain to heat illustrates the contrast represented by 然而. The pronunciation 'rán ér' can remind you of a surprising change in weather that contradicts expectations.
Meanings of 然而
rán’ér(ran2er2)
1however
2yet
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 然而
然而Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
连词连词conjunction (conj.)Part of Speech
#2563Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 然而
Podcast: 然而
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AI Study Notes for 然而
Quick Contrast
但是 (dànshì) — use 然而 (rán'ér) for a more formal tone compared to 但是 (dànshì).
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'rainy' day (然) turning into a 'hot' day (而) when you least expect it. The transition from rain to heat illustrates the contrast represented by 然而. The pronunciation 'rán ér' can remind you of a surprising change in weather that contradicts expectations.
Usage Notes
While 然而 is often used in formal writing, it can also appear in spoken language, though less frequently. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations where simpler conjunctions like '但是' (dàn shì) might be more appropriate. Be careful with the tone; ensure you pronounce both characters in the second tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 然而 connects well with other conjunctions and transition words you might learn at this level. Focus on using it to link contrasting ideas in your sentences, enhancing your writing and speaking skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese rhetoric, using contrasting ideas is a common technique in both literature and everyday conversation. 然而 exemplifies this practice, illustrating the importance of nuanced expression in Chinese discourse.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 然而 with 但是, using them interchangeably in all contexts. Remember, 然而 is more formal, so use it in writing or formal speech, while 但是 is better for casual conversation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 然而
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Grammar Patterns of 然而
然而 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
However, many customers found the smell of this product distinctly off-putting.
6
然而，有些因素让人对该雕塑的真伪产生了怀疑。
rán ér， ， yǒu xiē yīn sù ràng rén duì gāi diāo sù de zhēn wěi chǎn shēng le huái。
There are factors, however, that have cast doubt on the statue's authenticity.
7
然而,他身上老有点坏名声的影子.
rán ér, , tā shēn shàng lǎo yǒu diǎn huài míng shēng de yǐng.
Yet a faint air of disreputability always clung to him.
8
他对她说她在说谎，她便愤然而去。
tā duì tā shuō tā zài shuō huǎng， ， tā biàn fèn rán ér。
He told her she was a liar, whereupon she walked out.
9
他正在放出钓索,然而越来越慢了.
tā zhèng zài fàng chū diào suǒ, , rán ér yuè lái yuè màn.
He was ceding line but more slowly all the time.
10
她接下来说的话使谈话戛然而止。
tā jiē xià lái shuō de huà shǐ tán huà jiá rán ér zhǐ。
Her next remark abruptly terminated the conversation.
Cultural Notes for 然而
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese rhetoric, using contrasting ideas is a common technique in both literature and everyday conversation. 然而 exemplifies this practice, illustrating the importance of nuanced expression in Chinese discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions about 然而
While you can use it in casual conversation, it's more appropriate for formal or written contexts. For everyday speech, consider using '但是' instead.
Yes, both can mean 'but' or 'however,' but 然而 is generally more formal and literary.
It is pronounced as 'rán ér,' with both characters in the second tone.
