How to use 则
Subject 1 + predicate 1，(而) + subject 2 + 则 + predicate 2
则 can mark a contrast between two people, things, or situations in careful written language. The first clause establishes one case, and the second presents a different characteristic or response. The contrast may be descriptive rather than surprising: two people simply have different preferences or habits. This makes the pattern useful for organized comparisons without necessarily implying that either case contradicts an expectation.
In this use, place 则 after the second subject and before its predicate. 而 may introduce the second clause to strengthen the parallel structure. Keep the two sides comparable and their subjects explicit when needed. The position matters: putting 则 mechanically at the front of the entire second clause can obscure the intended pattern.
Examples with pinyin and English
哥哥喜欢喝茶，妹妹则喜欢喝咖啡。
The older brother likes tea, whereas the younger sister likes coffee.
则 follows the second subject and marks a parallel contrast.
我负责买菜，而他则负责做饭。
I handle the shopping, while he handles the cooking.
而 introduces the contrasting clause; 则 stays after its subject.
这间房很安静，隔壁那间则有点吵。
This room is quiet, while the one next door is a little noisy.
The contrast compares corresponding qualities of two rooms.
What to remember
- Put 则 after the second subject.
- Use 而 before that subject when helpful.
- Compare corresponding characteristics or responses.
Practise the pattern
Use one example as a model. Change the people, objects or situation, keeping the grammar pattern in the same order. Read the explanation again to check how your sentence uses the construction.
Look up the grammar words
Source and editorial notes
Explanation and examples written for Laowai using the grammar curriculum as a topic reference. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.