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cependant
/sə.pɑ̃.dɑ̃/
however
Il fait beau aujourd'hui, cependant il fait froid le soir.
It's nice out today, however it's cold in the evening.
formal
A conjunction used to introduce a contrasting idea or exception, similar to 'however' or 'nevertheless' in English.
Elle aime le chocolat, cependant elle ne peut pas en manger à cause de son allergie.
She loves chocolate, however she can't eat it because of her allergy.
Often used in formal writing and speech to contrast two ideas.
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'cependant' in formal contexts; for casual speech, 'mais' or 'pourtant' are more common.
Gold Rule
Contrast Marker
Always introduces a contrast or exception, similar to 'however' in English.
Word Origin
From Old French 'ce pendant', meaning 'this while' or 'during this time'.
Usage Notes
More formal than 'mais' or 'pourtant', often used in writing or formal speech to introduce a contrast.
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais