1. Home
  2. Grammar Points
  3. Indicating contrast with 则 ("ze4")

Indicating contrast with 则 ("ze4")

则 zè

Conjunction
HSK 5

Structure

Subject + Predicate, 则 + Subject + Predicate Clause 1，+ 而 Subject + 则 + Predicate

Definition

则（zé）用于连接分句，表示对比或转折，相当于“却”、“但是”。

则 (zé) is used to connect clauses, indicating contrast or concession, equivalent to 'but', 'however', or 'while'.

Usage

则通常用于后一分句，与前一分句形成对比，强调前后情况的差异或转折。常用于书面语。

则 is usually used in the second clause to form a contrast with the first clause, emphasizing the difference or turn in situations. It is common in written language.

Examples

  • 1 我们喜欢夏天，他则喜欢冬天。(We like summer, while he likes winter.)
  • 2 北方干燥，南方则湿润。(The north is dry, while the south is humid.)
  • 3 他学习努力，我则比较懒惰。(He studies hard, but I am relatively lazy.)
  • 4 平时他很安静，上课时则很活跃。(Usually he is quiet, but in class he is very active.)
  • 5 这个问题容易解决，那个问题则很复杂。(This problem is easy to solve, but that problem is very complicated.)

Put it into practice

Exam-style HSK drills with instant scoring and explanations.

Find my HSK level

Free · about 3 minutes · no account needed