Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • Though, although: A conjunction used to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses a concession or contrast with the main clause. It indicates that the information in the main clause is true despite the situation described in the subordinate clause.

Usage

• Position in a sentence: "Dù rằng" is placed at the beginning of the subordinate clause it introduces. This clause can come before or after the main clause.
• Function: It is used to connect two contrasting ideas, showing that one fact exists or is true even though another fact might seem to contradict it.
• Formality: It is a standard, slightly formal conjunction commonly used in both written and spoken Vietnamese.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:
  • Dù rằng trời mưa, chúng tôi vẫn đi dạo. (Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.)
  • Anh ấy vẫn lạc quan, dù rằng gặp nhiều khó khăn. (He remains optimistic, although he faces many difficulties.)
  • Dù rằng tôi đã giải thích cặn kẽ, cô ấy vẫn không hiểu. (Though I explained in detail, she still didn't understand.)

Advanced Usage

• "Dù rằng... nhưng...": While "dù rằng" already implies contrast, it is very common and grammatically acceptable to pair it with "nhưng" (but) or "vẫn" (still) in the main clause for added emphasis on the contrast.
  • Dù rằng anh ấy mệt, nhưng anh ấy vẫn đi làm. (Although he was tired, he still went to work.)
• "Dù rằng" vs. "Mặc dù": "Dù rằng" and "mặc dù" are largely interchangeable and both mean "although." "Mặc dù" is slightly more common in everyday speech.

Variants and Related Words

• Dù: A shorter, more casual form meaning "even if" or "although." It can often be used in place of "dù rằng" in less formal contexts.
  • Dù khó, tôi vẫn sẽ cố gắng. (Even if it's difficult, I will still try.)
• Mặc dù: A synonym for "dù rằng," meaning "although."
  • Mặc dù bận, cô ấy vẫn đến thăm tôi. (Although she was busy, she still came to visit me.)
• Tuy rằng: Another formal synonym for "although."
  • Tuy rằng giá cao, sản phẩm chất lượng tốt. (Although the price is high, the product quality is good.)

Synonyms

• Mặc dù: Although.
• Tuy rằng: Although.
• Cho dù: Even though, even if.

Related Phrases

• Dù rằng thế nào đi nữa: No matter what, however it may be.
  • Dù rằng thế nào đi nữa, tôi cũng ủng hộ bạn. (No matter what, I still support you.)
• Dù rằng có... hay không: Whether... or not.
  • Dù rằng anh ấy có đồng ý hay không, chúng ta vẫn tiến hành. (Whether he agrees or not, we will proceed.)

1. Though, although