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March 24, 2026
固然gùrán(gu4ran2)
固然 (gu4 ran2) is an adverb that means 'admittedly' or 'it's true that...'. It is often used to acknowledge a fact or situation before presenting a contrasting point or opinion, emphasizing a nuanced discussion. In conversation or writing, it helps to establish a balanced perspective.
Strokes20Frequency#24078DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese discourse, acknowledging facts while providing a counter-argument reflects the value of harmony and balance in conversation, which is significant in Confucian philosophy. Using 固然 appropriately showcases your ability to navigate complex discussions.
Memory Tip
Think of 固 (gu) as a strong foundation, representing something solid and true, and 然 (ran) as a flow of ideas. Together, they symbolize a firm acknowledgment of a fact before exploring further thoughts, like recognizing a rock before navigating a river.
Meanings of 固然
gùrán(gu4ran2)
1admittedly (it's true that...)
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About 固然
固然Simplified
20Strokes
—Radical
连词连词conjunction (conj.)Part of Speech
#24078Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 固然
Podcast: 固然
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AI Study Notes for 固然
Quick Contrast
当然 (dāngrán) — use 固然 to emphasize a nuanced acknowledgment before contrasting, while 当然 simply affirms certainty without the contrasting nuance.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 固 (gu) as a strong foundation, representing something solid and true, and 然 (ran) as a flow of ideas. Together, they symbolize a firm acknowledgment of a fact before exploring further thoughts, like recognizing a rock before navigating a river.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 固然 with similar phrases like 当然 (dāngrán), which means 'of course' but is used more assertively. 固然 is often used in formal contexts and can be paired with contrasting conjunctions like '但是' (dànshì) to present a counterpoint.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 固然 connects well with other advanced vocabulary that deals with contrast and nuance. Focus on its usage in complex sentence structures, and practice combining it with conjunctions to form balanced arguments.
Cultural Note
In Chinese discourse, acknowledging facts while providing a counter-argument reflects the value of harmony and balance in conversation, which is significant in Confucian philosophy. Using 固然 appropriately showcases your ability to navigate complex discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 固然 by omitting the contrasting statement, leading to unclear communication. For example, saying '固然，天气很好。' (Admittedly, the weather is nice.) without a contrasting idea weakens the expression; it should be '固然，天气很好，但是我还是不想出去。' (Admittedly, the weather is nice, but I still don't want to go out.)
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 固然
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Grammar Patterns of 固然
固然 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. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Admittedly, the cost of living in this city is high, but the quality of life is also excellent.
17
固然学习一门新语言需要时间和耐心，但它会为你打开许多新的大门。
Gùrán xuéxí yī mén xīn yǔyán xūyào shíjiān hé nàixīn, dàn tā huì wèi nǐ dǎkāi xǔduō xīn de dàmén.
Admittedly, learning a new language requires time and patience, but it will open many new doors for you.
18
固然这个项目的投资很大，但它的回报也是相当可观的。
Gùrán zhège xiàngmù de tóuzī hěn dà, dàn tā de huíbào yě shì xiāngdāng kěguān de.
Admittedly, the investment in this project is substantial, but its returns are also quite considerable.
Cultural Notes for 固然
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese discourse, acknowledging facts while providing a counter-argument reflects the value of harmony and balance in conversation, which is significant in Confucian philosophy. Using 固然 appropriately showcases your ability to navigate complex discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 固然
Use 固然 when you want to acknowledge a fact but also indicate a contrast, while 当然 is more straightforward and affirmative.
Yes, while it is more formal, it can be used in everyday conversations to add depth to your arguments.
Not necessarily, but it is most effective when followed by a contrast to highlight a different perspective.
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