Expressing Concession with “gùrán”
固然
How it works
固然 (gùrán) means “admittedly,” “of course,” or “it is true that...” It is used to acknowledge one point before introducing another, often more important or more decisive point.
It is common in formal reasoning and argumentation.
The pattern
Example sentences
经验在处理复杂问题时固然重要，但真正决定结果的往往还是判断力和责任心。
Experience is of course important in handling complex problems, but what truly determines the outcome is often still judgment and responsibility.
一时的成功固然令人高兴，可如果因此失去清醒，代价可能会更大。
Temporary success is certainly pleasing, but if one loses clarity because of it, the cost may be even greater.
这项改革固然会带来一些不便，但从长远来看仍然是必要的。
This reform will admittedly cause some inconvenience, but it remains necessary in the long run.
Key point
固然 (gùrán) is often used to concede one point before shifting to a more important argument.