反而

fǎn ér

HSK 2.0 Level 5 HSK 3.0 Level 5 Adverb Common

Definitions

1. on the contrary; instead

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Word relationships

Related words

1 item

却

què

but

'却'是副词，常与'反而'连用表示转折。

Synonyms

2 items

相反

xiāng fǎn

opposite

可互换，但'相反'更正式，'反而'常用于表示意外结果。

反倒

fǎn dào

but on the contrary

口语中可替换，强调意料之外的结果。

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Do not use 反而 to introduce a simple contrast like 'but'; it is used for unexpected outcomes contrary to what was anticipated.

Grammar

Guides that feature 反而

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1 guide

HSK 2.0 Level 5+ HSK 3.0 Level 5+ 7 min

Contrast with 反而 and 却

Practice advanced contrast sentences with 反而, 却, and expectation shifts.

Reading: fǎn ér Open guide

Example Sentences

1 shown

他不但不生气，反而笑了。

Not only was he not angry, but instead he smiled.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 反而

contrary

and

反而