却、然而
but, yet: 却 goes after the subject; 然而 (written) starts the second clause
Structure
A，主语 + 却 + 动词／形容词 · A。然而，B
What it means
Both mean “but, yet”. 却 is an adverb inside the second clause; 然而 is a written word that starts the second clause.
How it is built
A，subject + 却 + verb／adjective: 已经11月了，天气却还很暖和 (it’s already November, yet it’s still warm). A。然而，B: 退休以后时间多了。然而，很多老人却觉得更孤单了.
When to use it
却 can share a sentence with 但是 or 可是 (但是他却……) and stresses that B is unexpected. 然而 means the same as 但是 but belongs to writing and speeches.
Watch out
却 sits after the subject, right before the verb or adjective: ✗ 却他不来。 ✓ 他却不来。 然而 opens the clause, often with a comma, and sounds stiff in casual chat.
Examples
已经11月了，天气却还很暖和。
It’s already November, yet it’s still warm.
爷爷七十多岁了，身体却比年轻人还好。
Grandpa is over seventy, yet he’s fitter than young people.
退休以后时间多了。然而，很多老人却觉得更孤单了。
After retiring you have more time. However, many older people feel lonelier.
Learn this in HSK 4 · Lesson 17: 老了以后 (Growing old)
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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