Breakdown of Mặc dù máy tính cũ nhưng chạy khá nhanh.
là
to be
nhưng
but
cũ
old
mặc dù
although
chạy
to run
nhanh
fast
máy tính
the computer
khá
quite
Questions & Answers about Mặc dù máy tính cũ nhưng chạy khá nhanh.
What does mặc dù … nhưng mean here, and why are both parts used?
mặc dù means although (introducing a concessive idea), while nhưng means but/yet (leading to the unexpected result). Together mặc dù … nhưng … form the standard Vietnamese pattern for “Although …, ….”
Why is there no là between máy tính and cũ?
In Vietnamese simple descriptive clauses, the copula là is often omitted. So máy tính cũ directly conveys “the computer is old” without needing a linking verb.
Why does the adjective cũ come after the noun máy tính?
Vietnamese places adjectives after the nouns they modify. Hence máy tính cũ = old computer, whereas English flips that order.
Why is the subject omitted in the second clause chạy khá nhanh?
When the subject is clear from context, Vietnamese drops it to avoid repetition. Here, the computer (“it”) is understood, so you don’t repeat máy tính.
What role does khá play in chạy khá nhanh?
Khá is a degree adverb meaning quite/fairly, modifying nhanh. So chạy khá nhanh = runs quite fast.
Could we replace mặc dù with dù or dẫu? What’s the difference?
Yes.
- Dù máy tính cũ nhưng chạy khá nhanh
- Dẫu máy tính cũ nhưng chạy khá nhanh
All three mean the same. Mặc dù is slightly more formal; dù is common in speech; dẫu is a bit literary.
Can we drop nhưng and say Mặc dù máy tính cũ, chạy khá nhanh?
Yes. Omitting nhưng still shows contrast:
Mặc dù máy tính cũ, chạy khá nhanh
(“Although the computer is old, it runs quite fast.”)
Adding nhưng just makes the link more explicit.
Is a comma required between the two clauses?
Vietnamese punctuation is flexible. You can write it without commas:
Mặc dù máy tính cũ nhưng chạy khá nhanh
Or add one for clarity:
Mặc dù máy tính cũ, nhưng chạy khá nhanh
What about nhưng mà instead of nhưng? Any nuance?
Nhưng mà is more colloquial or emphatic but doesn’t change the core meaning:
Mặc dù máy tính cũ nhưng mà chạy khá nhanh
Can we add a classifier like chiếc before máy tính?
Yes. Chiếc specifies an individual item:
Mặc dù chiếc máy tính cũ nhưng chạy khá nhanh
It’s grammatically fine but optional.
Why don’t we say máy tính là cũ?
While máy tính là cũ isn’t strictly ungrammatical, it sounds awkward in everyday Vietnamese. Omitting là in simple descriptive statements is more natural: máy tính cũ.
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