ConjunctionsHSK 4

Expressing "however" with 然而

然而 is a formal written conjunction meaning "however" or "yet," used to introduce a contrast or unexpected result.

It connects two clauses, often used in essays, reports, and narrative writing rather than casual speech.

Structure

Clause 1 + ，然而 + Clause 2

The second clause presents a contrast or surprising outcome to the first.

然而 + Clause

Used at the start of a sentence to sharply contrast with the previous statement.

他努力工作了多年，然而始终没有得到晋升。
Tā nǔ lì gōng zuò le duō nián, rán ér shǐ zhōng méi yǒu dé dào jìn shēng.
He worked hard for years, yet he never got promoted.
这个方法看起来简单，然而实际操作起来非常困难。
Zhè ge fāng fǎ kàn qǐ lái jiǎn dān, rán ér shí jì cāo zuò qǐ lái fēi cháng kùn nan.
This method seems simple; however, it's very difficult in practice.
她答应了我们的邀请，然而当天并没有出现。
Tā dā ying le wǒ men de yāo qǐng, rán ér dāng tiān bìng méi yǒu chū xiàn.
She agreed to our invitation, but she didn't show up that day.
然而，事实并非如此简单。
Rán ér, shì shí bìng fēi rú cǐ jiǎn dān.
However, the truth is not that simple.
大家都认为他会赢，然而最终冠军是另一位选手。
Dà jiā dōu rèn wéi tā huì yíng, rán ér zuì zhōng guàn jūn shì lìng yí wèi xuǎn shǒu.
Everyone thought he would win, yet in the end the champion was another player.