然而: Formal However in Chinese
然而
然而 is a relatively formal connector or contrast adverb meaning ‘however’ or ‘nevertheless.’ It introduces the second clause and may occur before or after that clause's subject. The two clauses should create a meaningful contrast, often an outcome contrary to expectation. It cannot appear sentence-finally or join ordinary nouns.
Published July 23, 2026
Reviewed July 23, 2026
01 / PATTERN
See the Structure
MODEL
Clause 1, 然而 + (Subject) + Predicate
Read the structure
然而 is a relatively formal connector or contrast adverb meaning ‘however’ or ‘nevertheless.’ It introduces the second clause and may occur before or after that clause's subject. The two clauses should create a meaningful contrast, often an outcome contrary to expectation. It cannot appear sentence-finally or join ordinary nouns. Keep the model Clause 1, 然而 + (Subject) + Predicate visible while you compare each sentence.
我知道中文很有用，然而中文也很难。
I know Chinese is useful; however, it is also difficult.
Choose the right context
Introduce a formal written contrast between clauses. Present an unexpected second outcome. Combine with 却 or 并不 for a strongly marked contrast.
他没考上大学，然而并不灰心。
He did not enter university, yet he was not discouraged.
Respect the boundary
Do not place 然而 at the end of the second clause. Do not use it to coordinate two ordinary nouns. Do not use it when the second clause merely continues the first without contrast.
中文很有用，中文也很难然而。
(Chinese is useful; Chinese is difficult however.)
Repair the pattern
然而 is stranded sentence-finally: 然而 introduces the contrasting clause and cannot act as a sentence-final particle. 然而 coordinates nouns: 然而 relates contrasting clauses, not ordinary noun phrases; 和 coordinates these nouns.
中文很有用，然而中文也很难。
Use the repaired structure without changing the intended meaning.
02 / MAP
Read the Sentence
Read from left to right and notice the job performed by each part. The labels describe this example; they are not a rule that every Chinese sentence must copy.
我知道中文很有用，然而中文也很难。
I know Chinese is useful; however, it is also difficult.
我知道
Clause 1, 然而
This part occupies the Clause 1, 然而 position in the model pattern.
中文
(Subject)
This part occupies the (Subject) position in the model pattern.
很有
Predicate
This part occupies the Predicate position in the model pattern.
用
Clause 1, 然而
This part occupies the Clause 1, 然而 position in the model pattern.
，
(Subject)
This part occupies the (Subject) position in the model pattern.
然而
Predicate
This part occupies the Predicate position in the model pattern.
中文
Clause 1, 然而
This part occupies the Clause 1, 然而 position in the model pattern.
也
(Subject)
This part occupies the (Subject) position in the model pattern.
很
Predicate
This part occupies the Predicate position in the model pattern.
难
Clause 1, 然而
This part occupies the Clause 1, 然而 position in the model pattern.
03 / EXAMPLES
Examples You Can Reuse
Keep the structure stable while changing the people, objects, times, or conditions. Pinyin is shown as reading support; use the Chinese sentence and translation to confirm the grammar relationship.
我知道中文很有用，然而中文也很难。
I know Chinese is useful; however, it is also difficult.
他没考上大学，然而并不灰心。
He did not enter university, yet he was not discouraged.
小时候他身体很弱，然而长大后却非常强壮。
He was weak as a child, yet became very strong as an adult.
04 / LIMITS
When to Use It — and When Not To
Use it when
- Introduce a formal written contrast between clauses.
- Present an unexpected second outcome.
- Combine with 却 or 并不 for a strongly marked contrast.
Do not use it when
- Do not place 然而 at the end of the second clause.
- Do not use it to coordinate two ordinary nouns.
- Do not use it when the second clause merely continues the first without contrast.
05 / REPAIR
Compare Right and Wrong
Compare the smallest meaningful change. Each explanation identifies a placement, scope, form, or clause relationship instead of treating the whole sentence as one undifferentiated mistake.
中文很有用，中文也很难然而。
中文很有用，然而中文也很难。
然而 is stranded sentence-finally
然而 introduces the contrasting clause and cannot act as a sentence-final particle.
我买了茶然而咖啡。
我买了茶和咖啡。
然而 coordinates nouns
然而 relates contrasting clauses, not ordinary noun phrases; 和 coordinates these nouns.
中文很有用，中文也很难然而。
然而 introduces the contrasting clause and cannot act as a sentence-final particle.
我买了茶然而咖啡。
然而 relates contrasting clauses, not ordinary noun phrases; 和 coordinates these nouns.
06 / PRACTICE
Practice the Grammar Point
Complete three short tasks in order: judge the pattern, repair a common error, and build the sentence. Feedback is fixed and reviewed, so these activities do not use a checker allowance.
1. Judge the sentence
2. Choose the correction
3. Build the sentence
Build a complete sentence with 然而.
07 / APPLY
Apply It in Your Sentence
Write one original sentence with 然而. Your draft moves to the checker through this browser session, selects this grammar point as the first review focus, and waits for you to submit.
08 / QUESTIONS
然而: Formal However Questions
Is 然而 formal?
Yes. It is more common in formal speech and writing than everyday 但是 or 可是.
Can the subject come before 然而?
Both orders are possible in context, but 然而 must remain at the start of or inside the second clause, before its predicate.
09 / SOURCES
Sources and Review Notes
These references support different parts of the lesson. GF0025-2021 supports level placement only; professional grammar works support the explanation, limits, examples, and cross-checks. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement.
Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (GF0025-2021)
Ministry of Education and State Language Commission · Ministry of Education of the PRC · 2021
Locator: GF0025-2021 Appendix A, Level 4 item 【四49】, ……，然而…… (printed p. 212)
Supports placement in HSK 4; it does not independently establish the usage explanation.
Official sourceModern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide, 3rd ed.
Ross, Ma, Chen, He and Yeh · Routledge · 2024
Locator: Chapter 41, §41.3.2, contrast adverbs before or after the second-clause subject
Lists 然而 as a formal contrast marker that introduces the second conjunct and may precede or follow its subject.
Official source10 / CONTINUE
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