却 (què) – yet, but (contrary to expectation)

Pattern

• Clause 1，Subject + 却 + Predicate

Usage

• An adversative adverb placed after the subject of the second clause (never at the very start), showing a result contrary to expectation or common sense.

Examples

1. 1

   很多人虽然住在一个楼里，但却从来没说过话。

   Hěn duō rén suīrán zhù zài yí gè lóu li, dàn què cónglái méi shuō guo huà.

   Many people live in the same building yet have never spoken to each other.

2. 2

   我想帮他，他却拒绝了我的好意。

   Wǒ xiǎng bāng tā, tā què jùjué le wǒ de hǎoyì.

   I wanted to help him, but he turned down my kindness.