Formal Concessive Constructions (虽然、固然、诚然)

These words work by setting up a concession. A concession is simply acknowledging a fact that might seem to go against your main point. You are saying, "I see this truth, but look at this other truth instead." 虽然 is your general-purpose connector. It works in almost any context. 固然 is more objective. It acknowledges a fact that is universally accepted or obvious. It often feels like saying "Granted..." or "Admittedly...". 诚然 is the most formal of the three. It is deeply rooted in written Chinese and formal speeches. When you use 诚然, you are being very deliberate. You are saying, "It is indeed true that...". All three typically require a "pivot" word in the second clause. This pivot is usually 但是 (dànshì), 可是 (kěshì), 却 (què), or 然而 (rán'ér). Without the pivot, your sentence might feel like a cliffhanger. You told us the "although" part, but you forgot the punchline!

1. 1Using these patterns is like building a bridge with two main supports.
2. 2Choose your concessive marker (虽然, 固然, or 诚然).
3. 3Place the marker. It can go before the subject or after it. 虽然我忙... or 我虽然忙... are both fine.
4. 4State the acknowledged fact or condition.
5. 5Use a comma to pause.
6. 6Use a pivot word like 但是, 可是, 然而, or 却.
7. 7State your main point or the contrasting reality.
8. 8For 固然, you will often see it paired with 也 or 但. For example: 钱固然重要，但不是万能的 (Money is admittedly important, but it's not everything). For 诚然, it often starts a whole new paragraph in formal writing to address an opposing view before dismantling it.

Use 虽然 when you are chatting with friends or writing a casual email. It is the safest bet for daily life. Use it when explaining why you were late or why you bought those expensive shoes. Use 固然 when you want to sound more balanced in a discussion. It is perfect for job interviews. Imagine saying, "This role is 固然 challenging, but my experience makes me ready." It shows you aren't naive about the difficulties. Use 诚然 when you are writing a thesis, a formal proposal, or giving a speech at a conference. It adds a layer of intellectual honesty. It tells your audience, "I have considered the other side deeply." It is the grammar equivalent of a respectful nod before winning a debate.

Don't use 诚然 in a text message to ask for a coffee date. It will make you sound like you're writing a legal brief. It is way too heavy for casual settings. Avoid using 固然 if there is no actual contrast. If you say "The weather is 固然 good," and then stop, your listener will be waiting for the "but" forever. It is like a grammar traffic light stuck on yellow. Also, be careful with subject placement. If both clauses have the same subject, it is usually smoother to put the subject before the marker. If they have different subjects, put the marker first. Don't mix these up, or the rhythm of your sentence will feel clunky.

One big mistake is the "Double Subject" error. You don't need to repeat the subject too many times if it's clear. Another mistake is forgetting the pivot word. English allows "Although it rained, I went out." Chinese strongly prefers "Although it rained, *but* I went out." Native speakers might omit 但是 occasionally in very formal writing, but as a learner, keep it in. You might also over-use 虽然. If every sentence starts with 虽然, your writing feels repetitive. Switch to 固然 for a more sophisticated flair. Finally, don't confuse 诚然 with 当然 (dāngrán). 当然 means "of course" and doesn't necessarily require a contrast. 诚然 is specifically for admitting a point before pivoting.

How does this differ from 尽管 (jǐnguǎn)? 尽管 is closer to "despite." It often focuses on a fact that didn't stop something from happening. 虽然 is more of a logical contrast. What about 即使 (jíshǐ)? That means "even if." It deals with hypothetical situations. 虽然, 固然, and 诚然 all deal with real, existing facts. They are about what *is*, not what *might be*. Think of 虽然 as the everyday hero, 固然 as the professional consultant, and 诚然 as the elder statesman. They all do the same job but at different social levels.