Meaning
诚然 is a formal adverb used to acknowledge or concede a point before introducing a contrasting idea. It means 'admittedly' or 'it is true that' and appears primarily in written Chinese or formal speech. The word is composed of 诚 (sincere, honest) and 然 (so, like that), literally meaning 'truthfully so.'
Usage
This is a relatively formal word used mainly in essays, reports, and academic writing. It typically appears at the beginning of a sentence to acknowledge something true before presenting a counterargument or additional perspective, often followed by 但是, 可是, or 然而. Native speakers rarely use it in casual conversation.
Examples
- 01诚然，这个方案有它的优点，但是成本太高了。, , .Admittedly, this plan has its merits, but the cost is too high.
- 02他诚然很有才华，然而缺乏实践经验。, .He is indeed very talented, however he lacks practical experience.
Characters
Common collocations
- 诚然……但是...admittedly... but
- 诚然……然而...admittedly... however
- 诚然……可是...it is true that... but
Origin
The word combines 诚 (sincerity, truth) with 然 (a classical suffix meaning 'in that way' or 'being so'), creating a literary expression meaning 'being truly so' or 'admittedly the case.'