The conjunction 而 (ér) is used to connect two sentences that are related to each other, but talk about contrasting ideas or subjects. In this manner, it can be seen as a word meaning "but" or "rather." 而 is often used in a more formal or literary sense, but it is also common in everyday speech.
Structure
Sentence 1, + 而 + Sentence 2
Examples
- 我们 都 以为 这 是 他 干 的，而 事实 是，他 根本 不 知道 这 件 事情。 We all thought this was his task, but the fact is, he simply doesn't know about this topic.
- 以后 后悔 的 人 不 是 我，而 是 你 自己。 The regretful person isn't me. It's you.
- 现在 要 做 的 不 是 责怪 谁 错 了，而 是 怎么 解决。 Now is not the time to accuse who did it wrong, but to figure out how to resolve it.
- 我 喜欢 中国 菜，而 他 不 喜欢。 I like Chinese food, but he does not.
See Also
Sources and Further Reading
Books
- Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 343-4)
- 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 128, 200)
Websites