Meanings of 反而
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Podcast: 反而
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AI Study Notes for 反而
而且 (érqiě) — use 反而 (fǎn'ér) when highlighting an unexpected contrast, while 而且 (érqiě) adds additional information without a contrasting implication.
Learners often confuse 反而 with 反 (fǎn), which simply means 'to turn'. Remember that 反而 specifically emphasizes an unexpected change or contrast. It's typically used in more informal contexts, but can also appear in written language. A common collocation is '反而是' (fǎn'ér shì), meaning 'on the contrary'.
As an HSK Level 5 word, 反而 builds on your understanding of contrastive conjunctions. Focus on how it interacts with other conjunctions and words that express expectation or surprise, like '虽然' (suīrán, although) and '但是' (dànshì, but), to deepen your comprehension.
Learners often misuse 反而 by placing it in contexts where no contrast exists, for example saying '他不喜欢这个，反而喜欢' (He doesn't like this, instead he likes) without completing the thought. It should clarify what he likes instead, such as '他不喜欢这个，反而喜欢那个' (He doesn't like this, but instead likes that).
Pronunciation of 反而
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Component Characters
How to say instead in Chinese
“instead” in Chinese is反而
反而 (fǎn'ér) is used to indicate a contrast or unexpected result, often translating to 'on the contrary' or 'instead' in English. It is commonly used in situations where the outcome is opposite to what one might expect, emphasizing a surprising twist in reasoning or events.
When to use 反而
Learners often confuse 反而 with 反 (fǎn), which simply means 'to turn'. Remember that 反而 specifically emphasizes an unexpected change or contrast. It's typically used in more informal contexts, but can also appear in written language. A common collocation is '反而是' (fǎn'ér shì), meaning 'on the contrary'.
反而 or something close to it
而且 (érqiě) — use 反而 (fǎn'ér) when highlighting an unexpected contrast, while 而且 (érqiě) adds additional information without a contrasting implication.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 反而 by placing it in contexts where no contrast exists, for example saying '他不喜欢这个，反而喜欢' (He doesn't like this, instead he likes) without completing the thought. It should clarify what he likes instead, such as '他不喜欢这个，反而喜欢那个' (He doesn't like this, but instead likes that).
Write 反而
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Grammar Patterns of 反而
反而 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
风不但没停，____越来越大。
The wind not only didn't stop, but instead got stronger and stronger.
Example Sentences for 反而 (6)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 反而
Yes, while it is more common in spoken language, 反而 can also be used in formal writing to indicate a contrast.
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