Discussion of 而 [ér] (and) yet, nevertheless; (used between an adverbial element of purpose, cause, manner,...and a verb to be modified)

Discussion of 而

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We have two entries of 而 in the dictionary. Please note the in this entry, 而 indicates contrast. The situation before and after 而 are opposite to each other. For example:
E.g. 你得给我定稿，而不是草稿。 [phr] You should give me the final draft, not the raw draft.

lisaC

Please note that 而 is different from this conjunction: 但(是) dan4(shi4) conj. but.
In this entry, 而 indicates contrast. The situation before and after 而 are opposite to each other. Therefore the topics before and after 而 have to comparable. For example:

Example 1. 我想出国学习，但（是）我钱不够，所以没去成。I wanted to study abroad, but my money wasn't enough, so I didn't go.
In example 1, 但/但是 cannot be replaced by 而. Because "I wanted to ..." is an intention, and "my money wasn't enough" is a fact, a current situation. These two are hardly comparable, so using 但 or 但是 is more appropriate.

Example 2:
Example 2a. 我想出国学习，而爸爸不让我去，所以我很不高兴。I wanted to study abroad, but my father didn't want me to, so I was really unhappy.
Example 2b. 我想出国学习，但（是）爸爸不让我去，所以我很不高兴。I wanted to study abroad, but my father didn't want me to, so I was really unhappy.
In Example 2a, "I want to study abroad" and "my father didn't want me to" are both intentions, and they are comparable, so we can use 而. We can also use 但 or 但是 in this sentence as indicated in example 2b.

lisaC

而 versus 却：

Looking at the translation of these two below, you might not be able to know how exactly they are different:
- 而 (conjunction): (and) yet, nevertheless
- 却 (adverb): but, however

而 is a conjunction. In grammar, a conjunction is a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words within the same sentene or clause.

1. 而 can be used to connect two adjectives or two verbs, which are opposite; the second one complements or correct the first one. Here, 却 (adverb) can replace 而:
e.g. 这苹果大而不甜。/ 这苹果大却不甜。This apple is big, but not sweet.

2. 而 can be used to connect two clauses, which represent two contradicting or opposite matters. 而 can only be placed at the beginning of the second clause. Note that 却 is an adverb. In the Chinese language, adverbs appear before verbs or adjective and after subjects - most adverbs do not precede subjects. Therefore 却 cannot replace 而 in this sentence:
北京已经春暖花开，而多伦多还是冰天雪地。 In Beijing, spring has come and flowers are in bloom, but in Toronto, it is still a world of ice and snow.

3. 而 can be used to connect affirmation and negation, to explain the two in contrast. 却 cannot be used in this way.
你得给我定稿，而不是草稿。 You should give me the final draft, not the raw draft.

lisaC

How is 而 (ér) used in a sentence?

个学生

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Is 而 (ér) ever used to indicate a contrast?

个学生

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