cependant

However with Cependant

Level 4

Cependant is a logical connector used to show opposition between two ideas. It is primarily used in formal writing and professional contexts to mean 'however' or 'yet'.

How It Works

Cependant is a high-frequency connector in formal French. While it translates to 'however,' its usage follows specific stylistic and syntactic rules:

  • Register: It is formal. In casual conversation, native speakers prefer quand même or mais. Use cependant in essays, reports, or formal speeches.
  • Placement: As an adverb, it is mobile. It can start a sentence (followed by a comma), appear after the conjugated verb, or even sit between an auxiliary and a past participle in compound tenses like the passé composé.
  • Meaning: It marks a restriction. It implies 'in spite of what was just said.'
  • Literary Conjunction: In formal literature, you may encounter cependant que. This functions as a conjunction meaning 'while' or 'whereas' (similar to pendant que or tandis que), highlighting its historical meaning of 'during this time.'

Examples (5)

  1. Le film était long ; cependant, il était très intéressant.

    The movie was long; however, it was very interesting.

    Word by Word: The film was long; however, it was very interesting.

    This shows the standard use of 'cependant' to link two independent clauses with a semicolon.

  2. Cependant, la situation reste difficile pour les étudiants.

    However, the situation remains difficult for students.

    Word by Word: However, the situation remains difficult for the students.

    When starting a sentence, 'cependant' is almost always followed by a comma.

  3. Il a cependant décidé de partir malgré la pluie.

    He did, however, decide to leave despite the rain.

    Word by Word: He has however decided to leave despite the rain.

    In compound tenses, 'cependant' often sits between the auxiliary verb and the past participle for a more elegant flow.

  4. Elle est fatiguée. Elle continue cependant à travailler.

    She is tired. She continues, however, to work.

    Word by Word: She is tired. She continues however to work.

    Here, the adverb is placed directly after the conjugated verb, which is common in formal writing.

  5. Cependant que la nuit tombait, ils marchaient.

    While the night was falling, they were walking.

    Word by Word: While that the night was falling, they were walking.

    In literary contexts, 'cependant que' acts as a conjunction meaning 'while' or 'whereas,' reflecting its historical roots.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'cependant' in casual conversation with friends.

    Je veux une glace, cependant je n'ai pas d'argent.
    Je veux une glace, mais je n'ai pas d'argent.

    Using 'cependant' in a casual setting sounds overly stiff or 'bookish.' Use 'mais' or 'pourtant' instead.

  • Incorrect placement with negation.

    Il cependant ne veut pas venir.
    Il ne veut cependant pas venir.

    When placed inside a negative sentence, 'cependant' should follow the conjugated verb (after the 'ne...pas' structure or between 'ne' and 'pas').

  • Using the redundant phrase 'Mais cependant'.

    Il est intelligent, mais cependant il est paresseux.
    Il est intelligent, cependant il est paresseux.

    Combining 'mais' and 'cependant' is a pleonasm (redundancy) because both words serve the same function of introducing a contrast. Choose one or the other.

How It Connects

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cependantLevel 4However with Cependant

Learn This First

To use 'cependant' (however), learners need a solid grasp of basic sentence structure and the ability to express complete thoughts. As a formal conjunctive adverb, it requires the learner to be comfortable connecting two distinct statements to show contrast.

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cependant