Lesson 37: Contrast and adversatives (nhưng, tuy nhiên, mà)

Beyond "but," Vietnamese has other ways to signal contrast or unmet expectations.

Formal Reframing with "tuy nhiên"

Tuy nhiên is a more professional way to say "however."

Sản phẩm tốt, tuy nhiên giá cao.
"Product (is) good; however, price high."

The "Wait, But" of "mà"

Mà signals a contradiction or a result that conflicts with expectation ("yet" / "but somehow").

Ăn nhiều mà không béo.
"Eat much yet not fat."

Overcoming Obstacles

Use Mặc dù... nhưng... for "Although... but..."

Mặc dù mệt nhưng vui.
"Although tired (but) happy."

Contrastive Topics

Mà can also link two contrary states.

Gần mà xa.
"Near yet far."

Examples

Biết mà không nói.
"Know but not say."

Note on nuance

Mà adds a flavor of "surprisingly." Tuy nhiên adds a flavor of "logic/formality." Choose based on who you are talking to.