Definition

1. Adverb:
   • But, however: "vậy mà" is a conjunction used to express a contrast or opposition between two statements or situations. It indicates that the second statement is unexpected or contrary to what might be assumed from the first.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Anh ấy hứa sẽ đến, vậy mà anh ta vẫn chưa có mặt. (He promised to come, but he still hasn't shown up.)
  • Trời mưa rất to, vậy mà cô ấy vẫn đi làm đúng giờ. (It was raining heavily, however, she still went to work on time.)
  • Tôi đã giải thích rất kỹ, vậy mà họ vẫn không hiểu. (I explained very carefully, yet they still didn't understand.)

Advanced Usage

• "Vậy mà" is often used at the beginning of a clause to strongly emphasize a surprising contradiction or an unexpected outcome based on the previous context.
  • Cô ấy không học bài chút nào. Vậy mà cô ấy vẫn thi đậu. (She didn't study at all. And yet, she still passed the exam.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thế mà: This is a common variant with the same meaning and usage as "vậy mà". They are often interchangeable.
  • Nó nói nó nghèo lắm. Thế mà lại mua xe mới. (He said he was very poor. But then he bought a new car.)

Synonyms

• Nhưng: but (a more common and neutral conjunction for contrast).
• Tuy nhiên: however (more formal).
• Thế nhưng: but, however (similar to "vậy mà" but can be slightly more literary).

Related Phrases

• Vậy mà + [subject] + vẫn/cứ + [verb]: This structure is very common to highlight that despite the initial condition, the action still persists.
  • Đường rất xa, vậy mà nó vẫn đi bộ đến trường. (The road is very far, but he still walks to school.)

adv

1. but, however