Acknowledging Facts with 固然...但是... (Admittedly... but...)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 固然...但是... to acknowledge a fact before introducing a contrasting point or limitation.
- 固然 goes before the admitted fact: 固然{天气|tiānqì}好 (Admittedly the weather is good).
- 但是 or similar connectors follow to introduce the contrast: 但是{太|tài}热 (but it's too hot).
- The structure is: 固然 [Fact], 但是/可是/不过 [Contrast].
Overview
In Chinese, constructing a balanced and persuasive argument requires more than simple conjunctions. The 固然...但是... (gùrán...dànshì...) pattern is a key tool for this, elevating your language to a B2 level of sophistication. It translates roughly to "Admittedly...
but..." or "It is true that... however...". Its primary function is concession: you acknowledge the truth or validity of one point before introducing a contrasting, and usually more important, counterpoint.
Think of it as a rhetorical strategy. By first agreeing with a part of the opposing view, you appear reasonable, thoughtful, and credible. This makes your subsequent argument—the part that follows 但是—more persuasive.
You are not simply negating a statement; you are engaging with it, conceding its merits, and then pivoting to the consideration you wish to emphasize. This structure is a significant step up from the more general 虽然...但是... (suīrán...dànshì...), which simply means "although." 固然 carries a stronger sense of admitting a widely accepted fact or an undeniable quality. You will encounter it frequently in formal essays, news commentary, professional evaluations, and educated debates.
For example, when discussing automation, you might say: 自动化固然提高了生产效率，但是它也带来了失业的风险。 (zìdònghuà gùrán tígāo le shēngchǎn xiàolǜ, dànshì tā yě dài lái le shīyè de fēngxiǎn.) Here, you're not denying the efficiency gains of automation; you're admitting them upfront (固然) before pivoting to the critical issue of unemployment (但是). This makes your point about risk feel more measured and impactful.
How This Grammar Works
固然 clause sets the stage by presenting a fact that is either self-evident, generally acknowledged, or has just been stated by another person. It signals to your audience, "I see this point and I accept its truth."固 (gù) itself has ancient roots meaning "solid," "firm," or "indeed." Thus, 固然 literally means "it is indeed so." This classical flavor gives the pattern its formal and authoritative tone. When you use 固然, you are conceding a point that is solid and difficult to dispute. This is the core linguistic principle: you build your argument on a foundation of shared truth.但是 (dànshì), 可是 (kěshì), 然而 (rán'ér), or 却 (què), delivers your main message. This is where you present the complication, the drawback, the alternative perspective, or the more critical piece of information. The first clause serves to validate your balanced perspective, but the second clause contains the argument you are actually advancing.在大城市生活固然机会多，但是生活成本也相当高。 (zài dà chéngshì shēnghuó gùrán jīhuì duō, dànshì shēnghuó chéngběn yě xiāngdāng gāo), the speaker willingly admits the abundance of opportunities in big cities before highlighting the more pressing issue of high living costs.Formation Pattern
固然 after the subject of the first clause.
Subject + 固然 + Adjective / Verb Phrase, | 但是 / 可是 + Contrasting Statement |
这件衣服的设计固然很特别，但是价格也实在太贵了。
但是 is the standard, other words can be used to alter the tone or formality. The adverb 却 (què) is also extremely common and adds emphasis.
但是 (dànshì) | Start of 2nd clause | The neutral, standard "but." |
可是 (kěshì) | Start of 2nd clause | Slightly more conversational and informal than 但是. |
然而 (rán'ér) | Start of 2nd clause | More formal and literary; often signals a more significant or unexpected turn. |
却 (què) | After subject of 2nd clause | An adverb, not a conjunction. It strongly emphasizes the contrast. Can be used with or without 但是. |
却: 网络购物固然方便，（但是）很多人却还是喜欢实体店的体验。
却 must follow the subject (很多人).
然而: 他的计划固然听起来很完美，然而实际执行起来会遇到无数困难。
固然 can be placed at the very beginning of the sentence, especially when the subject of both clauses is the same and easily inferred.
固然 + Subject + Predicate, 但是...
固然你很努力，但是方法可能需要调整。
When To Use It
- In Academic and Formal Writing: This is the primary home for
固然. Use it to build arguments in essays, reports, and research papers. It allows you to acknowledge existing literature or common knowledge before introducing your own thesis or findings.
历史固然不能被改变，但是我们可以从中学到深刻的教训。- In Professional and Business Contexts: Use it to provide constructive feedback, evaluate proposals, or discuss strategy. It softens criticism and demonstrates that you have considered the positives before pointing out flaws.
您的方案固然很有创意，但是执行成本超出了我们的预算。- For Reviews and Critiques: When analyzing a film, book, product, or restaurant,
固然helps you create a balanced review. You concede the strong points before moving on to the weaknesses.
这部电影的演员阵容固然强大，但剧本却有不少逻辑漏洞。- In Debates and Discussions: When you want to disagree respectfully, start by acknowledging the merit in your opponent's point. This makes your counter-argument seem less confrontational and more reasoned.
你的分析固然有一定道理，可是你忽略了关键的文化因素。Common Mistakes
固然 stem from misunderstanding its specific rhetorical function compared to other conjunctions.虽然 (suīrán)虽然 introduces a simple contrast. 固然 concedes a known, accepted, or obvious fact or merit before the contrast.固然外面很冷，但我还是要出门。 (The cold is just a state, not a merit being conceded.) | 虽然外面很冷，但我还是要出门。 (suīrán wàimiàn hěn lěng, dàn wǒ háishì yào chūmén.) |虽然在家工作很自由，但有时会感到孤独。 (Grammatically okay, but less precise.) | 在家工作固然自由，但有时却会感到孤独。 (zài jiā gōngzuò gùrán zìyóu, dàn yǒushí què huì gǎndào gūdú.) (Here, you specifically concede the positive quality of freedom.) |固然)固然 creates an expectation of a pivot. Using it without a 但是, 可是, or 却 clause leaves the thought unfinished. It is like saying "Admittedly, it's a good idea..." and then walking away.- Incorrect:
他的中文固然很流利。(His Chinese is admittedly fluent.) This feels incomplete. The listener is waiting for the "but." - Correct:
他的中文固然很流利，但是汉字书写还需要练习。(His Chinese is admittedly fluent, but his character writing still needs practice.)
却 (què)却 is an adverb, not a conjunction. It must come after the subject in the second clause.- Incorrect:
科技进步固然好，却环境问题也随之而来。 - Correct:
科技进步固然好，环境问题却也随之而来。(kējì jìnbù gùrán hǎo, huánjìng wèntí què yě suí zhī ér lái.)
固然 is a powerful tool, but like any specialized instrument, overuse will make your language sound unnatural and pretentious. For simple, everyday contrasts, 虽然 or just a simple 但是 is more appropriate. Reserve 固然 for moments when you are consciously building a structured, balanced argument.Real Conversations
Here is how 固然...但是... appears in modern, educated conversations.
Scenario 1
A
(Wǒ ná dàole yīgè dà gōngsī de offer, xīnshuǐ hěn gāo, wǒ yīnggāi qù ma?)
(I got an offer from a big company with a high salary. Should I take it?)
B
(Èn, dà gōngsī de xīnshuǐ hé píngtái gùrán xīyǐn rén, dànshì nǐ yě yào xiǎng qīngchǔ, nàlǐ de gōngzuò jiézòu hé jìngzhēng yālì kěnéng fēicháng dà.)
(Well, the salary and platform at a big company are admittedly attractive, but you also need to think carefully; the work pace and competitive pressure there can be immense.)
Scenario 2
A
(Nǐ shìyòng nàgè xīn de AI xiězuò gōngjù le ma? Gǎnjué néng jiéshěng hǎoduō shíjiān.)
(Have you tried that new AI writing tool? I feel like it could save a lot of time.)
B
(Shì le. Tā shēngchéng wénběn de sùdù gùrán kuài, dàn xiě chūlái de dōngxi quēshǎo rénqíngwèi hé shēndù, hái xūyào dàliàng de réngōng xiūgǎi.)
(I have. The speed at which it generates text is admittedly fast, but the output lacks a human touch and depth, and still requires significant manual editing.)
Quick FAQ
固然 only for formal writing?While it is most at home in formal and written Chinese, it is also common in educated speech, such as presentations, interviews, and serious discussions. You would be less likely to hear it in very casual, everyday chat with close friends.
可是 (kěshì) instead of 但是 (dànshì)?Yes, absolutely. 可是 functions identically to 但是 in this pattern and can make the sentence feel slightly more conversational.
固然 ever used alone?In modern Mandarin, almost never. It functions as the first part of a two-part structure. Using it without a contrasting follow-up clause is considered a grammatical error, as it leaves the idea incomplete.
固然 and 当然 (dāngrán)?They are not interchangeable. 当然 means "of course" and expresses certainty or agreement (你当然可以来。 - "Of course you can come."). 固然 means "admittedly" and is used to concede a point before introducing a counterpoint.
固然 compare to 尽管 (jǐnguǎn)?尽管 means "despite" or "even though" and typically introduces a known obstacle that is being overcome. It focuses on the contrast between a condition and an action (尽管下着大雨，他还是出门了。 - Despite the heavy rain, he still went out). 固然 concedes a fact or merit as part of a logical argument, focusing on a balanced assessment rather than overcoming an obstacle.
固然 clause contain a negative point?Yes, this is possible, though less common. In this case, you are conceding an acknowledged negative fact before presenting a reason to proceed anyway. For example: 这个方法固然有风险，但却是我们唯一的希望。 (zhège fāngfǎ gùrán yǒu fēngxiǎn, dàn què shì wǒmen wéiyī de xīwàng.) - "This method admittedly has risks, but it is our only hope."
固然...但是... Structure
| Part 1 | Fact | Connector | Part 2 | Contrast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Subject
|
固然
|
Adjective/Verb
|
但是/可是
|
Contrast Clause
|
Common Variations
| Connector | Tone |
|---|---|
|
但是
|
Standard
|
|
可是
|
Slightly softer
|
|
不过
|
Casual/Conversational
|
Meanings
This structure is used to concede a point or acknowledge a situation as true, while immediately introducing a counter-argument or a limitation.
Concession
Admitting a positive or negative fact before adding a 'but'.
“他{固然|gùrán}{聪明|cōngmíng}，但是{不|bù}{努力|nǔlì}。”
“这{个|gè}{地方|dìfang}{固然|gùrán}{好|hǎo}，但是{离|lí}{家|jiā}{太|tài}{远|yuǎn}。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
固然 + Adj + 但是 + Clause
|
他固然聪明，但是懒。
|
|
Verb-based
|
固然 + Verb + 但是 + Clause
|
书固然要读，但是也要运动。
|
|
Subject-first
|
Subj + 固然 + Adj + 但是 + Clause
|
天气固然好，但是太热。
|
|
Subject-middle
|
固然 + Subj + Adj + 但是 + Clause
|
固然他很累，但是他坚持。
|
Formality Spectrum
此计划固然周全，然实施难度极大。 (Project planning)
这个计划固然好，但是实施起来很难。 (Project planning)
计划固然不错，但太难搞了。 (Project planning)
计划固然牛，但太坑了。 (Project planning)
The Concessive Balance
Side A
- 固然 Admittedly
Side B
- 但是 But
Examples by Level
这{个|gè}{菜|cài}{固然|gùrán}{好|hǎo}{吃|chī}，但是{太|tài}{贵|guì}。
This dish is admittedly tasty, but it's too expensive.
{他|tā}{固然|gùrán}{很|hěn}{忙|máng}，但是{他|tā}{还是|háishì}{来|lái}{了|le}。
He is admittedly very busy, but he came anyway.
{这|zhè}{种|zhǒng}{方|fāng}{法|fǎ}{固然|gùrán}{快|kuài}，但是{不|bù}{太|tài}{准|zhǔn}。
This method is admittedly fast, but not very accurate.
{这|zhè}{个|gè}{计|jì}{划|huà}{固然|gùrán}{完|wán}{美|měi}，但是{实|shí}{施|shī}{起|qǐ}{来|lái}{很|hěn}{难|nán}。
This plan is admittedly perfect, but it is hard to implement.
{传|chuán}{统|tǒng}{文|wén}{化|huà}{固然|gùrán}{重|zhòng}{要|yào}，但是{也|yě}{需|xū}{要|yào}{创|chuàng}{新|xīn}。
Traditional culture is admittedly important, but it also needs innovation.
{这|zhè}{项|xiàng}{技|jì}{术|shù}{固然|gùrán}{具|jù}{有|yǒu}{前|qián}{瞻|zhān}{性|xìng}，但是{其|qí}{风|fēng}{险|xiǎn}{不|bù}{容|róng}{忽|hū}{视|shì}。
This technology is admittedly forward-looking, but its risks cannot be ignored.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'although/admittedly'.
Both mean 'but'.
Both mean 'admittedly'.
Common Mistakes
固然好，但是。
固然好，但是太贵了。
固然他好，可是他。
他固然好，可是他没钱。
固然好但是。
这固然好，但是...
固然但是好。
固然好，但是...
虽然...固然...
固然...但是...
固然...所以...
固然...但是...
固然...因为...
固然...但是...
他固然很聪明，但是他很聪明。
他固然很聪明，但是不努力。
固然...但是...而且...
固然...但是...
固然...但是...可是...
固然...但是...
固然...但是...虽然...
固然...但是...
固然...但是...然而...
固然...但是...
固然...但是...不过...
固然...但是...
固然...但是...反之...
固然...但是...
Sentence Patterns
___固然___，但是___。
固然___，但是___。
___固然___，但是___。
___固然___，但是___。
Real World Usage
这份工作固然薪水高，但是压力也很大。
这电影固然火，但是剧情一般。
这地方固然好，但是太远了。
该理论固然具有解释力，但是存在局限。
这菜固然好吃，但是分量太少。
酒店固然漂亮，但是服务很差。
Use it to be polite
Don't over-concede
Vary your connectors
Tone matters
Smart Tips
Use 固然 to show you are objective.
Acknowledge the opponent's point first.
Soften the blow.
Weigh the pros and cons.
Pronunciation
固然
Gùrán - emphasize the first syllable.
Pause after 固然
固然 (pause) 但是...
Creates suspense and emphasizes the concession.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '固然' as 'Go-ran' (Go run). You admit you should 'go run' (固然), but you are too tired (但是).
Visual Association
Imagine a scale. On one side, you place a heavy weight labeled 'Fact' (固然). On the other side, you place a counter-weight labeled 'But' (但是).
Rhyme
固然承认事实真，但是转折换个人。
Story
Xiao Wang wanted to buy a car. He said, 'The car is fast (固然), but it is too expensive (但是).' He walked home instead.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences about your favorite food using this structure.
Cultural Notes
Used in formal debates and professional settings to show respect for the opponent's view.
Common in news commentary and political talk shows.
Used in formal business correspondence.
固然 comes from '固' (firmly/certainly) and '然' (so/like that).
Conversation Starters
你觉得这份工作怎么样？
你喜欢住在这个城市吗？
你觉得学中文难吗？
你觉得现在的科技发展好吗？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
这书___好，但是太贵了。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
虽然他很聪明，固然他不努力。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Admittedly it is fast, but it is dangerous.
Answer starts with: 固然快...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use 固然...但是... with 'work' and 'tired'.
固然 vs 虽然
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises这书___好，但是太贵了。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
虽然他很聪明，固然他不努力。
好 / 固然 / 但是 / 贵 / 这 / 衣服
Admittedly it is fast, but it is dangerous.
固然...?
Use 固然...但是... with 'work' and 'tired'.
固然 vs 虽然
Score: /8
Practice Bank
6 exercises{这款|zhèkuǎn}{游戏|yóuxì}{画面|huàmiàn}_____{美|měi}，{但是|dànshì}Bug{太|tài}{多|duō}{了|le}。
1.{固然} 2.{手机} 3.{方便} 4.{但是} 5.{视力} 6.{影响}
Admittedly he is young, but he is very experienced.
Match the clauses:
{固然|gùrán}..., _____...
{固然|gùrán}{你|nǐ}{聪明|cōngmíng}，{但是|dànshì}{也|yě}{要|yào}{学习|xuéxí}。
Score: /6
FAQ (8)
No, it requires a contrastive conjunction to complete the thought.
Yes, it is more formal than 虽然.
Yes, e.g., 'It is admittedly bad, but we must do it.'
诚然 is much more literary and formal.
Yes, it is common in written Chinese.
Yes, but mostly in professional or serious discussions.
Yes, it is a common variation.
Forgetting the second clause or using the wrong connector.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Ciertamente... pero
Spanish uses 'ciertamente' which is more adverbial than the Chinese '固然'.
Certes... mais
French 'Certes' is often used as a standalone interjection.
Zwar... aber
German requires specific word order changes after 'aber'.
確かに...が
Japanese uses a particle 'ga' at the end of the first clause.
صحيح أن... لكن
Arabic requires a nominal sentence structure after 'anna'.
固然...但是
N/A
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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