Definition

Conjunction: - Although; even though: Used to introduce a subordinate clause that states a fact or situation which contrasts with or seems surprising in light of the information in the main clause. It emphasizes a strong concession. - Despite the fact that: Functions similarly to "although," acknowledging a potentially contradictory circumstance.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:
  • Tuy rằng trời mưa, chúng tôi vẫn đi dạo. (Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.)
  • Cô ấy đồng ý giúp đỡ, tuy rằng cô ấy rất bận. (She agreed to help, despite the fact that she was very busy.)
  • Tuy rằng anh ấy còn trẻ, anh ấy có rất nhiều kinh nghiệm. (Even though he is young, he has a lot of experience.)

Advanced Usage

• "tuy rằng... nhưng...": This is a very common correlative conjunction pair, where "tuy rằng" introduces the concessive clause and "nhưng" (but) introduces the main contrasting clause. The structure strongly highlights a contradiction.
  • Tuy rằng dự án rất khó, nhưng chúng tôi sẽ cố gắng hoàn thành. (Although the project is very difficult, we will try to complete it.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tuy (conj): A slightly more concise and common form with the same core meaning as "tuy rằng."

  • Tuy đắt, nhưng món đồ này chất lượng tốt. (Although expensive, this item is of good quality.)

• Mặc dù (conj): Although, even though. Often interchangeable with "tuy rằng," though "mặc dù" can sound slightly more formal in some contexts.

  • Mặc dù có hướng dẫn, tôi vẫn bị lạc. (Even though there were instructions, I still got lost.)

Synonyms

• Although: Used to introduce a contrasting idea.
• Even though: Emphasizes the contrast more strongly than "although."
• Though: Less formal, often used at the end of a sentence.
• Despite the fact that: A more explicit phrase with the same function.

Notes on Usage

• Formality: "Tuy rằng" is considered standard and is appropriate for both written and spoken Vietnamese. It is slightly more emphatic than the shorter form "tuy."
• Sentence Structure: The clause introduced by "tuy rằng" can come before or after the main clause. When it comes first, a pause (comma) is typical. The correlative pair "tuy rằng... nhưng..." is extremely frequent.
• Meaning: It expresses a concession, meaning the speaker acknowledges the truth of the "tuy rằng" clause but states that it does not change the truth of the main clause.

adv

1. although, despite