The basic usage of "而" mainly has three types, which are easy to remember and can be understood with daily examples.
1. Expressing a turning point (equivalent to "but, yet")
It indicates that the meanings of the contents before and after are opposite or different.
example：他很聪明，而不够努力。（tā hěn cōng míng，ér bù gòu nǔ lì。）He is very smart, but not hardworking enough.
Core: There is a contrast between the situations before and after, connected by "而".
2. Expressing parallelism (equivalent to "and, as well as")
Connecting two related people, things, or characteristics that are of equal status.
example：这个公园安静而美丽。(zhè ge gōng yuán ān jìng ér měi lì。)This park is quiet and beautiful.
Core: The preceding and following are attributes of the same kind, describing an object together.
3. Expressing succession (equivalent to "then, subsequently")
Connecting actions that occur one after another or situations with a logical sequence.
example：我们先了解规则，而后开始练习。(wǒ men xiān liǎo jiě guī zé，ér hòu kāi shǐ liàn xí。)First, we understand the rules, and then we start practicing.
Core: There is a "first... then..." order, and it is often used together with "先" (first) and "后" (then).
(more)1. Expressing a turning point (equivalent to "but, yet")
It indicates that the meanings of the contents before and after are opposite or different.
example：他很聪明，而不够努力。（tā hěn cōng míng，ér bù gòu nǔ lì。）He is very smart, but not hardworking enough.
Core: There is a contrast between the situations before and after, connected by "而".
2. Expressing parallelism (equivalent to "and, as well as")
Connecting two related people, things, or characteristics that are of equal status.
example：这个公园安静而美丽。(zhè ge gōng yuán ān jìng ér měi lì。)This park is quiet and beautiful.
Core: The preceding and following are attributes of the same kind, describing an object together.
3. Expressing succession (equivalent to "then, subsequently")
Connecting actions that occur one after another or situations with a logical sequence.
example：我们先了解规则，而后开始练习。(wǒ men xiān liǎo jiě guī zé，ér hòu kāi shǐ liàn xí。)First, we understand the rules, and then we start practicing.
Core: There is a "first... then..." order, and it is often used together with "先" (first) and "后" (then).