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Comparing 反而 ("fan3er2") and 却 ("que4")

反而 / 却 fǎnér què

Grammar
HSK 5

Structure

Subj. + 反而 反而 + Subj. Subj. + 却 反而 + Sentence 却 + Verb 不但没⋯⋯，反而⋯⋯ 不但不⋯⋯，反而⋯⋯ ⋯⋯，反而却/却反而⋯⋯ ⋯⋯， 却偏（偏）⋯⋯ 虽然⋯⋯却⋯⋯ ⋯⋯， 但（是）却⋯⋯

Definition

反而和却都是表示转折关系的副词，但侧重点不同。反而强调与预期相反，却主要表示对比或轻微转折。

Both 反而 and 却 are adverbs indicating contrast, but they have different nuances. 反而 emphasizes that the result is contrary to expectations, while 却 mainly indicates comparison or a mild contrast.

Usage

反而用于前后分句逻辑上存在预期反差，常出现在“不但不/没有……反而……”结构中；却常用于前后分句的对比或转折，可置于主语后或动词前。

反而 is used when there is an expectation reversal between clauses, often in structures like '不但不/没有...反而...'; 却 is used for comparison or mild contrast between clauses, placed after the subject or before the verb.

Examples

  • 1 他不但没有生气，反而笑了起来。（He didn't get angry; on the contrary, he laughed.）
  • 2 我本以为他会同意，他却拒绝了。（I thought he would agree, but he refused.）
  • 3 雨不但没停，反而越下越大。（Instead of stopping, the rain got heavier.）
  • 4 这里很安静，那里却很吵闹。（This place is quiet, but that place is noisy.）
  • 5 他平时很节约，今天却花了很多钱。（He is usually thrifty, but today he spent a lot.）

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