诚然 (chéngrán)

诚然 is a formal adverb used to concede a point or acknowledge that something is true before introducing a qualification, counterargument, or nuance. It is equivalent to "admittedly," "it is true that," or "to be sure" in English and is a hallmark of sophisticated argumentation in written Chinese.

Meanings

[adv] admittedly, it is true that (conceding a point)
[adv] of course, certainly (affirming something as undeniably true)

Example Sentences

诚然，市场化改革带来了经济活力，但其代价是社会不平等的加剧。 Chéngrán, shìchǎng huà gǎigé dài lái le jīngjì huólì, dàn qí dàijià shì shèhuì bù píngděng de jiājù. Admittedly, market-oriented reforms have brought economic vitality, but the price has been a deepening of social inequality.

这一理论诚然有其合理之处，但其前提假设在现实中很难成立。 Zhè yī lǐlùn chéngrán yǒu qí hélǐ zhī chù, dàn qí qiántí jiǎshè zài xiànshí zhōng hěn nán chénglì. This theory admittedly has its merits, but its underlying assumptions are difficult to substantiate in reality.

诚然，短期内放宽管制可能刺激经济增长，但长期的系统性风险不可低估。 Chéngrán, duǎnqī nèi fàngsōng guǎnzhì kěnéng cìjī jīngjì zēngzhǎng, dàn chángqī de xìtǒng xìng fēngxiǎn bùkě dīgū. Admittedly, loosening regulations in the short term may stimulate economic growth, but the long-term systemic risks should not be underestimated.

诚然，他的学术资历令人印象深刻，然而其研究方法的严谨性仍有争议。 Chéngrán, tā de xuéshù zīlì lìng rén yìnxiàng shēnkè, rán ér qí yánjiū fāngfǎ de yánjǐn xìng réng yǒu zhēngyì. Admittedly, his academic credentials are impressive; however, the rigor of his research methodology remains contested.

诚然，技术进步是不可逆转的趋势，但这并不意味着我们应当放弃对其伦理后果的追问。 Chéngrán, jìshù jìnbù shì bùkě nì zhuǎn de qūshì, dàn zhè bìng bù yìwèizhe wǒmen yīngdāng fàngqì duì qí lúnlǐ hòuguǒ de zhuīwèn. Admittedly, technological progress is an irreversible trend, but this does not mean we should abandon inquiring into its ethical consequences.

诚然，个人奋斗固然重要，但制度环境对一个人能走多远的影响更为根本。 Chéngrán, gèrén fèndòu gùrán zhòngyào, dàn zhìdù huánjìng duì yīgè rén néng zǒu duō yuǎn de yǐngxiǎng gèng wéi gēnběn. Admittedly, personal effort is important, but the institutional environment has an even more fundamental influence on how far a person can go.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
诚然……但是……	admittedly... but...
诚然如此	it is indeed so
诚然有其价值	admittedly has its value
诚然不假	it is undeniably true

Usage Notes

诚然 is a formal, written connective used almost exclusively in argumentative essays, academic writing, and formal speeches. It is typically followed by a comma and then the conceded point, which is then qualified by 但 (but), 然而 (however), or 不过 (nevertheless). The pattern 诚然A，但B is a staple of sophisticated Chinese argumentation: acknowledging the opposing view (A) before presenting the main argument (B).

Distinguish from 固然 (gùrán), which is very similar: 诚然 is slightly more formal and emphatic; both are used in the same concessive structure. 当然 (of course) is more casual and does not carry the same argumentative weight.

Memory Hook

诚 (sincerely/truly) + 然 (so/thus) — 诚然 is "truly so" — sincerely acknowledging something to be true before saying "but."