然而

• Pinyin: rán ér
• Hanzi breakdown: 然 = 月 (flesh) + 犬 (dog) + 灬 (fire) — originally 'to burn', later grammaticalised to mean 'thus'; 而 = a classical conjunction particle meaning 'but' or 'and'

Meaning

However; nevertheless; yet. A formal conjunction introducing a contrasting or unexpected statement.

A written-register conjunction that marks contrast or concession, similar to 但是 but more literary. Typically begins a new clause or sentence. Frequently used in essays, news articles, and formal speech. Unlike 却 (which goes after the subject), 然而 stands at the very beginning of the contrasting clause, often followed by a comma.

Examples

1. 他努力准备了很久，然而考试结果并不理想。 He prepared hard for a long time; however, the exam results were not ideal.
2. 这个计划看起来很完美，然而执行起来困难重重。 This plan looks perfect; however, it is extremely difficult to carry out.
3. 大家都以为他会放弃，然而他坚持到了最后。 Everyone thought he would give up; however, he persisted until the very end.

Usage Guide

Context: essays, news, formal speech

Tone: literary

Do Say

• 经济在增长，然而贫富差距也在扩大。(The economy is growing; however, the wealth gap is also widening.)
• 实验做了很多次，然而结果每次都不同。(The experiment was done many times; however, the results differed each time.)

Don't Say

• 我想吃饭，然而我想吃面 meaning 'and also' (Don't use 然而 to mean 'and also' — it expresses contrast, not addition; say 我想吃饭，也想吃面 instead)

Origin & History

A compound of 然 (so, thus — originally meaning 'to burn', later used as a grammatical word meaning 'in that way') and 而 (but, and — a classical linking particle), together forming 'it is so, and yet' — however.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal