Vietnamese 'tuy nhiên' Usage (However/But)
'tuy nhiên' means "however" or "but." Its function and style depend on the sentence structure and examples in this lesson.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'tuy nhiên' means "however" or "but." Its function and style depend on the sentence structure and examples in this lesson.
English meanings
- However
- But
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Giá cao. Tuy nhiên, chất lượng rất tốt.
The price is high. However, the quality is very good.
2
Cách này đơn giản. Tuy nhiên, không phải lúc nào cũng phù hợp.
This method is simple. However, it is not always suitable.
How to use it
'tuy nhiên' means "however" or "but." It is a formal and written discourse connector used to introduce a limitation, exception, or opposite result while acknowledging the previous statement.
- 'tuy nhiên' usually connects two sentences, placed at the beginning of the second sentence followed by a comma.
- It is suitable for formal writing, analysis, and explanations.
- For spoken immediate contrast, use 'nhưng'; for concessive structure, use 'tuy ... nhưng.'
Compared with English
Compared with English
Like English 'however,' 'tuy nhiên' usually begins a new sentence with a comma and is more formal than the spoken 'but.'
Common mistakes
Tôi thích cà phê. Tuy nhiên, tôi cũng thích trà.
Tôi thích cà phê. Ngoài ra, tôi cũng thích trà.
These sentences add information rather than contrast, so use 'ngoài ra' instead of 'tuy nhiên.'
Tuy nhiên giá cao, chất lượng tốt.
Tuy giá cao nhưng chất lượng tốt.
To say "although the price is high but the quality is good," use 'tuy ... nhưng,' not 'tuy nhiên' before the concessive clause.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
Compared to 'nhưng', 'tuy nhiên' is usually more?
Show answer
Multiple choice
Compared to 'nhưng', 'tuy nhiên' is usually more?
- Formal and written
- Casual and playful
- Quantity comparison
Answer: Formal and written
Explanation: 'tuy nhiên' is common in articles and formal explanations.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Giá cao. ____, chất lượng rất tốt.
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Giá cao. ____, chất lượng rất tốt.
Answer: Giá cao. Tuy nhiên, chất lượng rất tốt.
Explanation: 'tuy nhiên' usually connects two sentences, placed at the beginning of the second sentence followed by a comma.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "The price is high. However, the quality is very good." into Vietnamese.
Show answer
English to Vietnamese
Translate "The price is high. However, the quality is very good." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Giá cao. Tuy nhiên, chất lượng rất tốt.
Explanation: Use tuy nhiên in the same structure as the example.
True or false
True or False: Tôi thích cà phê. Tuy nhiên, tôi cũng thích trà.
Show answer
True or false
True or False: Tôi thích cà phê. Tuy nhiên, tôi cũng thích trà.
Answer: False
Explanation: These sentences add information rather than contrast, so use 'ngoài ra' instead of 'tuy nhiên.'
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tuy nhiên cách này đơn giản, không phải lúc nào cũng phù hợp.
Show answer
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tuy nhiên cách này đơn giản, không phải lúc nào cũng phù hợp.
Answer: Cách này đơn giản. Tuy nhiên, không phải lúc nào cũng phù hợp.
Explanation: 'tuy nhiên' as a connector is more natural at the start of the second sentence.