Concessive: 固然……但是/不过…… (Admittedly...But...)
让步复句：固然……，但是/可是/不过……
Acknowledge a valid point with 固然 before introducing a contrasting perspective with 但是/不过
固然 means "admittedly / certainly / no doubt." It acknowledges that the first point is true or valid, but then 但是, 可是, or 不过 introduces a contrasting or more important point.
固然 is more nuanced than 虽然. While 虽然 simply means "although," 固然 genuinely acknowledges the validity of the first point before pivoting — like saying "that may be true, and I grant you that, BUT..."
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Concessive: 固然……但是/不过…… (Admittedly...But...) (让步复句：固然……，但是/可是/不过……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 让步复句：固然……，但是/可是/不过…… pattern
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Understanding 让步复句：固然……，但是/可是/不过……
The word 固然 is a sophisticated rhetorical tool. When you say 一个人的成功，聪明固然重要，但是努力更重要 (For success, intelligence is admittedly important, but effort is more important), you are NOT dismissing intelligence. You are acknowledging it as valid while arguing that effort matters MORE. This is the key difference from 虽然: 虽然 can minimize the first point, but 固然 genuinely concedes it. This makes 固然 perfect for balanced argumentation, nuanced discussion, and diplomatic disagreement. It shows intellectual maturity — you can see both sides but have a clear position.
Key Points
- 固然 (gùrán) = "admittedly / certainly / no doubt" — genuinely concedes a valid point.
- The acknowledged point after 固然 is accepted as TRUE, not dismissed.
- 但是/可是/不过 introduces the contrasting or MORE IMPORTANT point.
- More nuanced than 虽然 — shows you understand both sides of an argument.
- Perfect for diplomatic disagreement and balanced essay writing.
- Common in academic discussion, editorial writing, and formal debate.
- 固然 can appear before or after the subject: 聪明固然重要 OR 固然聪明很重要.
In Chinese argumentative writing, acknowledging the opposing view before stating your own (先抑后扬) is considered sophisticated. 固然 is the perfect connector for this technique, and using it shows respect for other perspectives.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
一个人的成功，聪明固然重要，但是努力更重要。
For one's success, intelligence is admittedly important, but effort is more important.
网络固然给我们带来了便利，可是也给隐私保护带来了烦恼。
The internet has admittedly brought us convenience, but it has also brought trouble for privacy protection.
这个方法固然有效，不过代价太大了。
This method is admittedly effective, but the cost is too high.
经验固然宝贵，但也不能完全依赖过去的经验。
Experience is certainly valuable, but one cannot rely entirely on past experience.
金钱固然能解决很多问题，但买不到真正的幸福。
Money can admittedly solve many problems, but it cannot buy true happiness.
他的观点固然有道理，不过还需要更多的证据来支持。
His viewpoint certainly has merit, but it still needs more evidence to support it.
Common Mistakes
固然 is used when the acknowledged point is relevant to the contrasting point. Being tall is relevant to basketball, but here the contrast is too basic for 固然. 虽然 is more natural here.
固然 should acknowledge something as good/true/valid. Restructure to: "His coming was certainly good, but..."
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 固然 when you want to show intellectual fairness — you acknowledge the other side before stating your position.
The pattern A 固然 X, 但 B 更 Y is a powerful essay formula: "A is admittedly X, but B is even more Y."
If your goal is to dismiss or minimize the first point, use 虽然. If you genuinely concede it, use 固然.
Practice with everyday debates: 钱固然重要，但健康更重要 (Money is important, but health is more important).
Homework
Write four balanced arguments using 固然……但是/不过 on these topics: (1) money vs. happiness, (2) technology pros vs. cons, (3) experience vs. innovation, (4) freedom vs. responsibility. Each sentence should genuinely acknowledge both sides.