HSK 6Conjunctions

固然...但(gùrán...dàn)

Admittedly / It Is True That...But

Structure Pattern

Subject+固然+Conceded Point+但 / 但是+Counterpoint

Explanation

固然...但 (gùrán...dàn) means "admittedly...but" or "it is true that...however." It concedes a point while pivoting to a more important counterargument. More refined and balanced than 虽然...但是.

Nuance vs 虽然...但是:

虽然: simply contrasts two facts
固然: acknowledges the first point has merit before countering it

Example Sentences

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钱固然重要，但健康更重要。

Qián gùrán zhòngyào, dàn jiànkāng gèng zhòngyào.

Money is admittedly important, but health is more important.

这个办法固然好，但是实施起来很难。

Zhège bànfǎ gùrán hǎo, dànshì shíshī qǐlái hěn nán.

This method is good, admittedly, but it's hard to implement.

独立固然重要，但也不能完全拒绝帮助。

Dúlì gùrán zhòngyào, dàn yě bù néng wánquán jùjué bāngzhù.

Independence is important, but you can't completely refuse help.

Common Mistakes

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Common Mistake

他固然很聪明，但是他很高。

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Correct Usage

他固然很聪明，但不够努力。

info

固然...但 requires the two clauses to be in tension — the second should counter or qualify the first. "Smart" and "tall" are unrelated qualities with no logical contrast.

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Related Grammar Points

虽然...但是HSK 2

Although...But

suīrán...dànshì

Unlike English where you use either "although" OR "but," Chinese uses BOTH together: 虽然...但是. You can replace 但是 with 可是 (kěshì) for a softer tone. The 虽然 half is sometimes dropped in casual speech.

Conjunctions3 examples

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