Learn Mandarin Grammar: The Difference between 则 and 却

Here we will learn the difference between 则and 却 when both means 'but'.

Grammar: S1VP1，而S2则/却VP2.

This grammar pattern is usually used to describe two contrasting situations. 却 can replace 则, when 却 is used, it expresses stronger contrasting meaning than 则.

Example 1:

I like noodle, but he likes bread.

a.我喜欢面条,而他却喜欢面包。(stronger contrasting meaning than 则)

b.我喜欢面条,而他则喜欢面包。

Example 2:

Once he was very ill, he requested a leave from the company, but the company did not agree.

a) 一次他病得厉害，向公司请假，而公司却不同意。(stronger contrasting meaning than则)

b) 一次他病得厉害，向公司请假，而公司则不同意。

Example 3:

Last year, the cars output fell off by 30% year-on-year, but the Chinese market grew 20% against the market.

a) 去年汽车产量同比下降30%,而中国市场却逆市增长20%. (stronger contrasting meaning than则)

b) 去年汽车产量同比下降30%,而中国市场则逆市增长20%.