thế nhưng
Definition
- Conjunction:
- However / But / Yet: A transitional conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems surprising in light of the previous statement. It signals a contradiction, opposition, or unexpected result.
Usage Examples
- Conjunction:
- Anh ấy rất giàu có, thế nhưng anh ấy sống rất giản dị. (He is very wealthy, however, he lives very simply.)
- Tôi đã cố gắng hết sức, thế nhưng vẫn thất bại. (I tried my best, but I still failed.)
- Thời tiết dự báo nắng đẹp, thế nhưng trời lại đổ mưa. (The forecast predicted sunny weather, yet it rained.)
Advanced Usage
- "thế nhưng mà": A slightly more emphatic or conversational form with the same meaning.
- Cô ấy nói sẽ đến, thế nhưng mà cô ấy đã không xuất hiện. (She said she would come, but she didn't show up.)
Variants and Related Words
- Tuy nhiên (conj): However, nevertheless. (More formal than "thế nhưng").
- Nhưng (conj): But. (The most common and direct equivalent; "thế nhưng" often adds a slightly stronger sense of contradiction or "in spite of that").
- Thế mà (conj): And yet, but still. (Similar in meaning and usage to "thế nhưng").
Synonyms
- However: Used to introduce a contrasting idea.
- But: Used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned.
- Yet: Used to introduce a contrasting idea that is surprising or unexpected.
- Nevertheless: In spite of that.
Related Phrases and Usage Notes
- Position in Sentence: "Thế nhưng" typically begins the second clause of a compound sentence, following a comma or period from the first clause.
- Formality Level: It is common in both written and spoken Vietnamese. It is slightly more formal than "nhưng" but less formal than "tuy nhiên."
- Function: It primarily serves to create contrast and highlight a contradiction, often emphasizing that the second statement is true despite the first.