固然…但…
admittedly A, but B
Structure
A 固然 成立 ， 但／可是 B
What it means
Admittedly A, but B: you grant a point in full, then turn to the point that matters more.
How it is built
Subject + 固然 + A，但／可是 + B: 钱固然重要，但健康更重要 (Money matters, certainly, but health matters more).
When to use it
Use it in argument and discussion. It is weightier than 虽然: 固然 grants the point in full (yes, A is true), then the weight falls on B. Mainly written or formal speech.
Watch out
Put 固然 after the subject: ✗ 固然钱重要 ✓ 钱固然重要. 虽然 often opens the clause before the subject; 固然 normally does not.
Examples
三家的主张固然各不相同，但它们共同塑造了中国人的思维方式。
The three schools certainly differ, but together they shaped the Chinese way of thinking.
钱固然重要，但健康更重要。
Money matters, certainly, but health matters more.
Learn this in Lesson 79 · HSK 6–7: 儒家、道家与法家 (Confucians, Daoists and Legalists)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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