Vietnamese 'mặc dù ... nhưng' Usage (Although... but)
'mặc dù ... nhưng' is commonly used to express 'although... but', an essential structure for learners.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'mặc dù ... nhưng' is commonly used to express 'although... but', an essential structure for learners.
English meanings
- Although... but
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Mặc dù trời lạnh nhưng tôi không mặc áo khoác.
Although it is cold, I do not wear a coat.
2
Mặc dù bận nhưng cô ấy vẫn giúp tôi.
Although busy, she still helps me.
How to use it
'mặc dù ... nhưng' means 'despite/although... but', with a slightly more formal or complete tone than 'tuy ... nhưng'. It often explains a situation that does not prevent the result from happening.
- 'mặc dù' introduces the concessive background; 'nhưng' introduces the main result.
- The second clause often uses 'vẫn' to mean 'still'.
- In spoken language, sometimes only 'mặc dù' is used at the start, but beginners should master the full structure first.
Compared with English
Compared with English
In English, 'although' or 'even though' introduces a concessive clause, similar to 'mặc dù'. The word 'nhưng' corresponds to 'but', marking the main result. This structure is more formal and complete than just using 'although'.
Common mistakes
Mặc dù trời lạnh tôi không mặc áo khoác.
Mặc dù trời lạnh nhưng tôi không mặc áo khoác.
Keeping 'nhưng' in the sentence clarifies the concessive contrast.
Mặc dù nhưng tôi bận.
Mặc dù tôi bận nhưng tôi vẫn giúp bạn.
'mặc dù' must be followed by a specific situation before 'nhưng'.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
Which English phrase best matches the tone of 'mặc dù ... nhưng'?
Show answer
Multiple choice
Which English phrase best matches the tone of 'mặc dù ... nhưng'?
- Although... but
- Because... so
- In order to...
Answer: Although... but
Explanation: 'mặc dù' introduces the concessive background, 'nhưng' introduces the main result.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: ____ tôi không mặc áo khoác.
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: ____ tôi không mặc áo khoác.
Answer: Mặc dù trời lạnh nhưng tôi không mặc áo khoác.
Explanation: 'mặc dù' introduces the concessive background; 'nhưng' introduces the main result.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "Although it is cold, I do not wear a coat." into Vietnamese.
Show answer
English to Vietnamese
Translate "Although it is cold, I do not wear a coat." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Mặc dù trời lạnh nhưng tôi không mặc áo khoác.
Explanation: Use mặc dù ... nhưng in the same structure as the example.
True or false
Is this sentence correct? Mặc dù trời lạnh tôi không mặc áo khoác.
Show answer
True or false
Is this sentence correct? Mặc dù trời lạnh tôi không mặc áo khoác.
Answer: False
Explanation: Keeping 'nhưng' clarifies the concessive contrast.
Correction
Correct this sentence: Mặc dù nhưng trời mưa chúng tôi đi.
Show answer
Correction
Correct this sentence: Mặc dù nhưng trời mưa chúng tôi đi.
Answer: Mặc dù trời mưa nhưng chúng tôi vẫn đi.
Explanation: 'mặc dù' is followed by the situation, then 'nhưng' introduces the result.