HSK 8
固然...但是: Granted, Yet in Chinese
固然...但是... concedes that the first point is true or reasonable before the second clause introduces a more important contrast, limit, or reservation. 固然 normally scopes over the conceded claim, while 但是, 可是, or 不过 opens the speaker's main point. The paired form is common in formal argument and careful comparison.
STRUCTURE
A + 固然 + Predicate, 但是/可是/不过 + B
When to use 固然…但是 — and when not
Use it when
- To acknowledge a valid point before stating an important limit: 这个办法固然有效，但是成本太高。
- To weigh two factors while giving the second more argumentative weight: 聪明固然重要，不过坚持更关键。
- In careful spoken or written argument; 可是 often carries a stronger turn, while 不过 can introduce a milder reservation.
Don't use it when
- When the second clause merely repeats the first; the construction needs a contrast, limit, or reservation worth foregrounding.
- By putting 固然 and 但是 together before the conceded claim; they introduce different parts of the relation.
- Do not treat 固然...也... as automatically wrong. GF0025-2021 lists that concessive pattern separately, while this card focuses on the contrast form.
Right vs. wrong
固然但是这个办法有效，成本太高。
这个办法固然有效，但是成本太高。
Both markers placed before the conceded claim
固然 belongs with the claim being conceded, while 但是 opens the main contrast. They cannot stand together before the first claim.
这个办法固然，但是成本太高。
这个办法固然有效，但是成本太高。
固然 left without a conceded predicate
The first clause must state what is being conceded. Add a predicate such as 有效 before moving to the 但是 clause.
Examples
这个办法固然有效，但是成本太高。
Zhège bànfǎ gùrán yǒuxiào, dànshì chéngběn tài gāo.
This method is effective, but it costs too much.
数据固然有限，不过已经能说明趋势。
Shùjù gùrán yǒuxiàn, búguò yǐjīng néng shuōmíng qūshì.
The data is limited, but it can already show the trend.
速度固然重要，可是安全更不能忽视。
Sùdù gùrán zhòngyào, kěshì ānquán gèng bù néng hūshì.
Speed matters, but safety is even harder to ignore.
这项改革固然带来了便利，但也增加了管理难度。
Zhè xiàng gǎigé gùrán dàilái le biànlì, dàn yě zēngjiā le guǎnlǐ nándù.
The reform brought convenience, but it also made management harder.
他的经验固然丰富，判断也不一定每次都正确。
Tā de jīngyàn gùrán fēngfù, pànduàn yě bù yídìng měi cì dōu zhèngquè.
His experience is extensive, but his judgment is not necessarily right every time.
Common mistakes
固然但是这个办法有效，成本太高。
Gùrán dànshì zhège bànfǎ yǒuxiào, chéngběn tài gāo.
Put 固然 in the conceded clause and 但是 before the contrast: 这个办法固然有效，但是成本太高。
这个办法固然，但是成本太高。
Zhège bànfǎ gùrán, dànshì chéngběn tài gāo.
固然 needs the conceded predicate: 这个办法固然有效，但是成本太高。
Think you've got it?
Write your own 固然…但是 sentence and check that grammar point first.
固然...但是: Granted, Yet FAQ
What does 固然...但是... mean?
It first grants that one point is true or reasonable, then presents a contrast, restriction, or more important consideration. The speaker's main point normally comes in the second clause.
What is the difference between 固然 and 虽然?
Both can introduce a concession. 固然 often presents the first point as something the speaker is explicitly willing to grant, which suits careful argument, while 虽然 is broader and more common in everyday concessive sentences.
Must 固然 be followed by 但是?
No. 可是, 不过, 但, and other contrast markers can introduce the second clause, and 固然...也... is also an established pattern. Choose the continuation that matches the intended relation and tone.