Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • Though, although: A conjunction used to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses a contrast or concession. It indicates that the action or situation in the main clause happens or is true despite the circumstance mentioned in the clause it introduces.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:
  • Mặc dù trời mưa, chúng tôi vẫn đi dạo. (Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.)
  • Cô ấy vẫn mỉm cười mặc dù rất mệt. (She still smiled though she was very tired.)
  • Tôi sẽ thử mặc dù cơ hội thành công rất thấp. (I will try even though the chance of success is very low.)

Advanced Usage

• "Mặc dù... nhưng...": A common correlative structure. "Mặc dù" introduces the concessive clause, and "nhưng" (but) introduces the main clause, emphasizing the contrast. Note: In English, we use "although/though" "but," not both together.
  • Mặc dù anh ấy còn trẻ, nhưng anh ấy có rất nhiều kinh nghiệm. (Although he is young, he has a lot of experience.)
• "Mặc dù vậy" / "Mặc dù thế": Meaning "despite that," "nevertheless," or "even so." This phrase is used to start a new sentence that contrasts with the previous one.
  • Trời rất lạnh. Mặc dù vậy, họ vẫn quyết định đi cắm trại. (It was very cold. Despite that, they still decided to go camping.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tuy: A synonym for "mặc dù," also meaning "although" or "though." It is often used in the structure "tuy... nhưng..."
  • Tuy bận rộn, anh ấy luôn dành thời gian cho gia đình. (Although busy, he always makes time for his family.)
• Dù: A more colloquial and shorter form, often used in spoken Vietnamese. It can be used similarly to "mặc dù."
  • Dù khó khăn, chúng ta không được bỏ cuộc. (Even though it's difficult, we must not give up.)
• Cho dù: Emphasizes a stronger concession, similar to "even if."
  • Cho dù anh có nói gì, tôi cũng không tin. (Even if you say anything, I still won't believe it.)

Synonyms

• Tuy rằng: Although (slightly more formal/literary).
• Dẫu rằng: Although, even though (literary).

Related Phrases

• Dù sao đi nữa: Anyway, in any case (often used to introduce a concluding or contrasting point).
  • Dù sao đi nữa, cậu cũng đã cố gắng hết sức. (Anyway, you did try your best.)

1. though, although