Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • However, nevertheless, despite that: Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems surprising after what has just been said. It expresses concession, meaning "even so" or "for all that."

Usage Instructions

• Position in Sentence: Typically used at the beginning of a clause to contrast it with the previous clause. It can be preceded by a comma or a period.
• Function: Connects two opposing ideas, emphasizing that the second statement is true even though the first statement is also true.
• Formality: Neutral; used in both written and spoken Vietnamese.

Examples

• Contrasting Statements:
  • Trời mưa rất to. Dầu vậy, chúng tôi vẫn quyết định đi. (It was raining heavily. Nevertheless, we still decided to go.)
  • Cô ấy đã cố gắng hết sức. Dầu vậy, kết quả vẫn không như mong đợi. (She tried her best. However, the result was not as expected.)

Advanced Usage

• "Dầu vậy" in Formal Writing: Often used in essays, reports, or formal speeches to present a counterargument or an unexpected outcome.
  • Nhiều biện pháp đã được thực hiện. Dầu vậy, tình hình vẫn chưa được cải thiện. (Many measures have been implemented. For all that, the situation has not improved.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tuy vậy: However, nevertheless. (Slightly more common in modern usage.)
  • Anh ấy bận. Tuy vậy, anh ấy vẫn hứa sẽ giúp. (He is busy. However, he still promised to help.)
• Dù sao: Anyway, anyhow. (Can sometimes be used in a similar contrasting sense but often implies a concluding or summarizing point.)
• Mặc dù vậy: Despite that, nevertheless. (A bit more formal and emphatic.)

Synonyms

• Tuy nhiên: However. (Very common and direct synonym.)
• Song: However, but. (Literary or formal.)
• Nhưng: But. (More direct contrast; "dầu vậy" is softer and more concessive.)

Related Phrases

• Dầu rằng: Although, even though. (Used to start a concessive clause, not to link independent clauses like "dầu vậy".)
  • Dầu rằng trời mưa, chúng tôi vẫn đi. (Even though it rained, we still went.)

Notes on Usage

• "Dầu vậy" vs. "Dù vậy": "Dù vậy" is a more modern and commonly used variant with the same meaning. "Dầu vậy" can sound slightly more literary or formal.
• Punctuation: When "dầu vậy" starts a new sentence, it is usually followed by a comma. When it follows a semicolon or comma in a compound sentence, the punctuation before it depends on the sentence structure.

1. For all that
   • Dầu vậy anh ta cũng chẳng sung sướng gì
     For all that, he is not happy