Use '诚然' to acknowledge a point before pivoting to your main argument.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to acknowledge a fact before introducing a contrast.
- Commonly paired with 'but' or 'however'.
- Formal register suitable for academic and professional writing.
概述：诚然是一个书面语色彩较浓的词汇，主要用于议论文、正式报告或严谨的日常交流中。它不仅是对事实的确认，更是一种修辞策略，用来展示说话者客观、辩证的思维方式。
- 1用法：通常位于主语之前或之后，常与“但是”、“然而”、“不过”等表示转折的连词搭配使用，形成“诚然……但是……”的结构。这种结构能够让论述显得更加全面，先承认对方或客观事实的合理性，再提出自己的核心观点。
Examples
诚然，这个方法很省力，但效果并不理想。
everydayIndeed, this method saves effort, but the results are not ideal.
诚然，经济增长是重点，但环境保护同样不可忽视。
formalAdmittedly, economic growth is important, but environmental protection cannot be ignored.
诚然，我们面临许多挑战，但我们有信心克服它们。
informalIndeed, we face many challenges, but we are confident in overcoming them.
诚然，该理论在解释特定现象时具有局限性。
academicAdmittedly, this theory has limitations when explaining specific phenomena.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
诚然如此
That is indeed the case
诚然重要
Indeed important
Often Confused With
Both mean 'admittedly'. '固然' is often used in '固然...但是' structures, but it can also be used to emphasize that something is true but not the main point.
Means 'of course'. It is more about certainty and naturalness, whereas '诚然' is about making a concession in an argument.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '诚然' when you want to sound objective and balanced. It is highly formal, so it fits best in essays, reports, and speeches. Avoid using it in casual conversations as it may sound pretentious.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it at the end of a sentence, which is grammatically incorrect. Others might use it to mean 'sincerely', but it only functions as a concessive adverb. Remember, it almost always requires a follow-up clause starting with a contrastive conjunction.
Tips
Use for balanced arguments
Pair '诚然' with '但是' to show you have considered both sides of an issue. This makes your argument sound more professional and objective.
Avoid overuse in casual chat
Using '诚然' in casual text messages or chats with friends may sound overly academic or stiff. Reserve it for formal contexts.
Reflects Confucian moderation
The use of '诚然' reflects the Chinese cultural preference for balance and moderation, acknowledging others' views before asserting one's own.
Word Origin
Derived from classical Chinese, where '诚' means honest/true and '然' means 'so/like that'. Together, they act as a marker for confirming a truth before moving to the next logical step.
Cultural Context
The word aligns with the Chinese rhetorical tradition of '先抑后扬' (praising first and criticizing later, or vice versa) to maintain harmony while expressing disagreement.
Memory Tip
Think of '诚然' as 'Certainly, but...'. The '诚' reminds you of 'honest' (诚实), meaning you are honestly admitting a fact before adding a 'but'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“的确”主要用于强调事实的真实性，语气较直接。而“诚然”不仅确认事实，还带有逻辑上的“让步”意味，暗示后面会有转折。
在非常随意的口语中较少使用，因为它听起来比较正式。但在正式的演讲、会议或严肃讨论中，它是完全合适的。
不一定必须跟，但为了逻辑完整，通常会配合“但是”、“然而”等词使用。如果不加，句子会显得意犹未尽。
不可以，诚然通常位于句首或主语之后，作为连接副词引导整个让步分句。
Test Yourself
___，这个计划有很多优点，但实施难度太大。
此处需要一个表示让步的连接词，诚然最符合语境。
Score: /1
Summary
Use '诚然' to acknowledge a point before pivoting to your main argument.
- Used to acknowledge a fact before introducing a contrast.
- Commonly paired with 'but' or 'however'.
- Formal register suitable for academic and professional writing.
Use for balanced arguments
Pair '诚然' with '但是' to show you have considered both sides of an issue. This makes your argument sound more professional and objective.
Avoid overuse in casual chat
Using '诚然' in casual text messages or chats with friends may sound overly academic or stiff. Reserve it for formal contexts.
Reflects Confucian moderation
The use of '诚然' reflects the Chinese cultural preference for balance and moderation, acknowledging others' views before asserting one's own.
Examples
4 of 4诚然，这个方法很省力，但效果并不理想。
Indeed, this method saves effort, but the results are not ideal.
诚然，经济增长是重点，但环境保护同样不可忽视。
Admittedly, economic growth is important, but environmental protection cannot be ignored.
诚然，我们面临许多挑战，但我们有信心克服它们。
Indeed, we face many challenges, but we are confident in overcoming them.
诚然，该理论在解释特定现象时具有局限性。
Admittedly, this theory has limitations when explaining specific phenomena.
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