固然…,也…
admittedly A, and B too: granting one point without ruling out the other
Structure
A 固然 成立/好 , B 也 成立/可以
What it means
Grants that A is true or good, and adds that B holds as well, so both points stand. Unlike 固然…但…, nothing is taken back.
How it is built
Subject + 固然 + A, (subject) + 也 + B: 坐高铁固然方便,坐飞机也不慢 (The train is certainly convenient, and flying isn’t slow either).
When to use it
To weigh two acceptable options or two sides that both count. Formal-leaning: argument and careful speech. 固然…但/却… (lesson 4-5) grants A only to turn against it, like 诚然…然而… (5-7).
Watch out
Don’t read 也 as “but”: B is added, not opposed. 固然 usually sits after the subject (节约固然…), though it can also open the clause.
Examples
节约固然要靠每个人的自觉,也离不开法律的约束。
Thrift does of course depend on each person, and it also needs the discipline of the law.
你能亲自去一趟固然好,打个电话说清楚也可以。
It would of course be best if you could go in person, but a phone call to explain will do as well.
坐高铁固然方便,坐飞机也不慢,看你从哪儿出发。
The high-speed train is certainly convenient, but flying is not slow either; it depends where you are leaving from.
Learn this in Lesson 119 · HSK 7–9: 光盘不该是一阵风 (Editorial: clearing your plate)
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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