而（对比）
whereas; while: sets two facts side by side
Structure
A ， 而 B
What it means
“Whereas”, “while”: sets two facts side by side to compare them, rather than to object.
How it is built
A，而 + B, with 而 before the subject of the second clause: 他喜欢安静，而我喜欢热闹 (He likes quiet, while I like bustle).
When to use it
Milder than 但是: it compares two sides instead of objecting. It suits writing and careful speech; in casual talk people often just set the two clauses side by side.
Watch out
而 opens the second clause, before its subject: ✗ 他喜欢安静，我而喜欢热闹。 ✓ 他喜欢安静，而我喜欢热闹。
Examples
北方冬天有暖气，而南方大部分地区没有。
The north has heating in winter, whereas most of the south does not.
他喜欢安静，而我喜欢热闹。
He likes quiet, while I like bustle.
Learn this in Lesson 2 · HSK 5: 南方与北方 (North and south)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
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