然而 and 而 for “However” and “Whereas”
Use 然而 to start a clause that goes against what came before, and 而 to set two different subjects side by side.
Structure
…，然而 + clause; A + …，而 + B + …
然而 means “however.” It begins the second clause or a new sentence and turns against the expectation set up by the first. 而 links two contrasting statements about different people or things, like English “whereas.” Both sound written.
大家都以为他会来，然而他没有来。
When to use 然而 and 而 for “However” and “Whereas”
然而 works like a formal 但是: it stands at the start of the second clause, before the subject, and says the result is not what you would expect: 大家都以为他会来，然而他没有来. It can also open a new sentence followed by a comma: 计划很好。然而，时间不够. 而 is used when you compare two different subjects that behave differently: 哥哥喜欢运动，而弟弟喜欢看书. Here the contrast is a side-by-side comparison, not a surprise.
哥哥喜欢运动，而弟弟喜欢看书。
The older brother likes sports, whereas the younger brother likes reading.
这个办法听起来不错，然而做起来很难。
This method sounds good; however, it is hard to carry out.
有的人喜欢热闹，而有的人喜欢安静。
Some people like lively places, while others prefer quiet ones.
计划很好。然而，时间不够。
The plan is good. However, there isn’t enough time.
Pièges courants
- 然而 opens the clause, before the subject: 然而他没有来, not 他然而没有来.
- Use 而 to compare two different subjects; don’t use it to join two nouns like 和.
- 然而 and 而 sound written; in casual talk, use 但是, 可是 or 不过.
Exercice ciblé
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