Using `虽然...但是` (suīrán...dànshì) to Say "Although... But..."
虽然 sets up a point and 但是 pivots to an unexpected or opposite one.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {虽然|suīrán} (although) and {但是|dànshì} (but) to connect two contrasting ideas in one sentence.
- Place {虽然|suīrán} before the first clause: {虽然|suīrán} it is raining, I will go out.
- Place {但是|dànshì} before the second clause: It is raining, {但是|dànshì} I will go out.
- You can omit {但是|dànshì} in casual speech, but keep {虽然|suīrán} for clarity.
Overview
The Chinese conjunction pair 虽然...但是 (suīrán...dànshì) is a fundamental structure for expressing contrast. It translates directly to "although... but..." or "even though...
however...". This pattern allows you to acknowledge one fact or situation while simultaneously presenting another, often unexpected or contrary, reality. Mastering this structure is crucial for conveying nuanced thoughts and understanding a significant portion of everyday Chinese communication, whether in conversation, texts, or formal writing.
It reflects a common human experience: acknowledging a concession before stating an opposing truth. For instance, you might say, 虽然他很有钱，但是他不快乐 (Suīrán tā hěn yǒu qián, dànshì tā bù kuàilè) – “Although he is very rich, he is not happy.” This illustrates how 虽然...但是 allows for a concession to be made (他很有钱 – he is rich) which is then immediately contrasted with an opposing reality (他不快乐 – he is not happy).
How This Grammar Works
虽然...但是 operates on the principle of concession and contrast. The first clause, introduced by 虽然, presents a fact, a situation, or an idea that you are willing to concede or acknowledge. This initial statement often sets up an implied expectation.虽然天气很好 (Suīrán tiānqì hěn hǎo – although the weather is good), a listener might naturally anticipate a positive follow-up, such as going outside. The second clause, introduced by 但是, then introduces a reality, an outcome, or an idea that contrasts with or deviates from that implied expectation. This is where the “twist” or the “however” comes in.但是我不能出去 ( dànshì wǒ bù néng chūqù – but I cannot go out). The contrast doesn't necessarily imply a logical contradiction in every case, but rather a divergence from what one might reasonably infer from the first clause.但是 component is almost always required when paired with 虽然. This is because 虽然 and 但是 function as a cohesive conjunction pair, working together to frame the entire relationship between the two clauses.但是 often leaves the sentence feeling incomplete or grammatically awkward, as 虽然 alone merely signals a concession without fully expressing the subsequent contrast. The pair ensures clarity and structural integrity within the sentence. For example, 虽然他很聪明，但是他很懒 (Suīrán tā hěn cōngmíng, dànshì tā hěn lǎn) – “Although he is smart, he is lazy” – clearly uses both parts to convey the full meaning.虽然 acknowledges his intelligence, while 但是 immediately introduces the contrasting trait of laziness.虽然他病了，但是他还是坚持工作 (Suīrán tā bìng le, dànshì tā háishì jiānchí gōngzuò) – “Although he is sick, he still insists on working” – features the same subject (他).虽然那本书很贵，但是里面的内容很好 (Suīrán nà běn shū hěn guì, dànshì lǐmiàn de nèiróng hěn hǎo) – “Although that book is expensive, the content inside is very good” – uses different subjects (那本书 and 内容) to express the contrast. The core function, however, remains the same: to present a concession followed by a contrasting reality.Formation Pattern
虽然...但是 is straightforward once you understand its basic structure. The pattern consistently places 虽然 at the beginning of the first clause (the concession) and 但是 at the beginning of the second clause (the contrast). A comma usually separates the two clauses in written Chinese, mirroring a slight pause in spoken language.
虽然 + Clause 1 (concession) , 但是 + Clause 2 (contrast)
但是. While sometimes the subject in the second clause can be omitted in very casual speech if context is crystal clear, for learners at the A1 level, it is safest and most common to include it.
虽然我喜欢咖啡，但是我不能喝太多。
Suīrán wǒ xǐhuān kāfēi, dànshì wǒ bù néng hē tài duō.
我 (wǒ) is the subject of both "liking coffee" and "not being able to drink too much."
虽然 clause, and the second subject precedes the action or state in the 但是 clause.
虽然这件衣服很漂亮，但是它太贵了。
Suīrán zhè jiàn yīfú hěn piàoliang, dànshì tā tài guì le.
这件衣服 (this dress) is the subject of the first clause, while 它 (it) is the subject of the second, referring back to the dress.
但是 can sometimes follow the subject in the second clause (more colloquial/emphatic)
但是 is directly after the comma, introducing the entire second clause, in more colloquial speech or for emphasis, you might occasionally hear 但是 placed after the subject of the second clause, especially if the subject is a pronoun or clearly understood from context. For A1 learners, it's generally recommended to stick to the standard 但是 + Subject + Predicate. However, recognizing this variation is useful.
虽然他很累，但是他还在学习。
Suīrán tā hěn lèi, dànshì tā háishì zài xuéxí.
虽然他很累，他但是还在学习。
Suīrán tā hěn lèi, tā dànshì háishì zài xuéxí.
,) in written form between the two clauses. This visual separator reinforces the logical division and the contrasting relationship established by the conjunction pair. The consistent use of 虽然 at the beginning of the first clause and 但是 at the beginning of the second clause provides a clear, predictable structure that learners can readily apply.
When To Use It
虽然...但是 is an indispensable tool for expressing a wide range of contrasting ideas in Chinese. Its utility extends across various everyday situations, allowing you to articulate complexities, mixed feelings, and unexpected realities. Here are several common scenarios where you will find yourself employing this grammar pattern:- Expressing Mixed Opinions or Feelings: When you have a balanced view, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects of something, or when your feelings are not entirely one-sided. This is particularly useful for giving nuanced feedback or sharing personal reflections.
虽然这个游戏很好玩，但是它的操作太复杂了。Suīrán zhège yóuxì hěn hǎowán, dànshì tā de cāozuò tài fùzá le.- Acknowledging a Concession Before Stating a Decision/Reality: Often, you need to concede a point or acknowledge an obstacle before explaining why a different action was taken or a different situation exists. This provides context for your statement.
虽然外面下着雨，但是我还是要出去。Suīrán wàimiàn xià zhe yǔ, dànshì wǒ háishì yào chūqù.- Highlighting an Unexpected Outcome or Contrastive Result: This pattern is perfect for situations where the second clause presents something that wouldn't necessarily follow logically from the first, or something surprising given the context. It emphasizes the divergence from expectation.
虽然他学习很努力，但是成绩一直不好。Suīrán tā xuéxí hěn nǔlì, dànshì chéngjī yīzhí bù hǎo.但是 is different.)- Providing Explanations or Justifications: You can use
虽然...但是to justify why something is the way it is, or why a particular action was taken despite certain conditions. It provides a balanced perspective.
虽然这份工作工资不高，但是我学到了很多东西。Suīrán zhè fèn gōngzuò gōngzī bù gāo, dànshì wǒ xué dào le hěn duō dōngxi.虽然...但是 functions as a bridge between two ideas that might seem at odds, allowing for a more complete and nuanced expression. It reflects the pragmatic nature of Chinese communication, where acknowledging all relevant factors is often preferred.Common Mistakes
虽然...但是. Avoiding these common errors will significantly improve your fluency and make your Chinese sound more natural and accurate. Focus on understanding why these are mistakes, rather than just memorizing rules.- 1Omitting
但是: This is arguably the most frequent error for English speakers. In English, you can often drop the "but" (e.g., "Although he's tired, he's still working"). In Chinese, however,但是is almost always essential to complete the虽然pair.虽然sets up the concession, but但是delivers the contrast. Without但是, the sentence feels unfinished, like an expectation has been created but not resolved.
- Incorrect:
虽然他很忙，他还在工作。(✗) - Pinyin:
Suīrántā hěn máng, tā háishì zài gōngzuò. - Correct:
虽然他很忙，但是他还在工作。(✓) - Pinyin:
Suīrántā hěn máng,dànshìtā háishì zài gōngzuò. - English: Although he is busy, he is still working.
但是 clarifies the relationship between the two clauses, signaling a deliberate contrast.- 1Incorrect Placement of
但是: While generally但是introduces the second clause, learners sometimes place it incorrectly within that clause.
- Incorrect:
虽然天气很好，我但是要去公园。(✗) - Pinyin:
Suīrántiānqì hěn hǎo, wǒdànshìyào qù gōngyuán. - Correct:
虽然天气很好，但是我要去公园。(✓) - Pinyin:
Suīrántiānqì hěn hǎo,dànshìwǒ yào qù gōngyuán. - English: Although the weather is good, I want to go to the park.
但是 directly after the comma and before the subject (if repeated) or verb/predicate of the second clause is the most standard and clear construction. The colloquial variation of placing 但是 after the subject of the second clause is less common in formal writing and can sound less natural to learners.- 1Confusing
但是with和(hé - and):但是is a conjunction of contrast, while和is a conjunction of addition. They serve fundamentally different functions. Never use和to introduce a contrasting idea.
- Incorrect:
虽然她很漂亮，和她脾气不好。(✗) - Pinyin:
Suīrántā hěn piàoliang,hétā píqì bù hǎo. - Correct:
虽然她很漂亮，但是她脾气不好。(✓) - Pinyin:
Suīrántā hěn piàoliang,dànshìtā píqì bù hǎo. - English: Although she is beautiful, her temper is not good.
- 1Overuse of
虽然when但是alone suffices: Remember that但是can stand alone, just like "but" in English, to introduce a contrast without a preceding虽然. This is appropriate when the context of the first statement is already clear or implied from the preceding sentence(s).
- Incorrect (if
虽然is redundant):虽然我昨天没睡好，但是我今天精神很好。 - Pinyin:
Suīránwǒ zuótiān méi shuì hǎo,dànshìwǒ jīntiān jīngshén hěn hǎo. - Better (if context allows): 我昨天没睡好，
但是我今天精神很好。 - Pinyin: Wǒ zuótiān méi shuì hǎo,
dànshìwǒ jīntiān jīngshén hěn hǎo. - English: I didn't sleep well yesterday, but I feel very energetic today.
虽然 when you specifically want to set up the concession explicitly; otherwise, 但是 alone might be more concise.可是 and 不过但是 (dànshì), 可是 (kěshì), and 不过 (búguò) is crucial for choosing the most appropriate term.但是 (dànshì) | 可是 (kěshì) | 不过 (búguò) |虽然 | Can be paired with 虽然 to form 虽然...但是. | Can be paired with 虽然 to form 虽然...可是. | Cannot be paired with 虽然. |虽然他很穷，但是他很快乐。 | 虽然他很穷，可是他很快乐。 | 这个电影很好看，不过有点长。 |虽然...但是vs.虽然...可是: While often interchangeable when paired with虽然,但是generally implies a more objective or stronger contrast.可是tends to be a bit more subjective or emotional, sometimes carrying a slight tone of complaint or surprise. For A1 learners,虽然...但是is the foundational pair to master, as it's universally accepted and clear. As you advance, you'll naturally discern when可是feels more appropriate for a slightly more personal or expressive tone. The historical roots of但(dàn) and可(kě) are similar in indicating a turn, but modern usage has differentiated their common pairings.
但是vs.不过: This is a more significant distinction.但是introduces a direct contrast or a statement that actively opposes the preceding idea. It signals a notable shift in the argument.不过, on the other hand, introduces a milder concession, a supplementary thought, or a gentle qualification. It's less about direct contradiction and more about adding a slight nuance or an additional point that might be contrary but not overtly contradictory. Crucially,不过cannot be used with虽然. You would never say虽然...不过....
但是: 他想去，但是他没有时间。 (Tā xiǎng qù, dànshì tā méi yǒu shíjiān.) – He wants to go, but he doesn't have time. (Direct conflict)不过: 这个地方很漂亮，不过交通不太方便。 (Zhège dìfāng hěn piàoliang, búguò jiāotōng bù tài fāngbiàn.) – This place is beautiful, however the transportation isn't very convenient. (A qualification rather than a strong contradiction.)虽然...但是 as the primary expression for "although... but..." is the best approach.Real Conversations
虽然...但是 is a bedrock of Chinese communication, appearing frequently in all forms of discourse, from casual chats to formal reports. Its versatility makes it indispensable for expressing contrasting ideas in real-world scenarios. Here’s how it typically manifests:
- Everyday Casual Conversation: In daily interactions, 虽然...但是 helps articulate mixed feelings, provide excuses, or simply describe situations that have a silver lining or a drawback. It's often used fluidly and naturally.
Example 1 (Making an excuse): 虽然我昨天很晚才睡，但是今天精神还不错。
Pinyin
Suīrán wǒ zuótiān hěn wǎn cái shuì, dànshì jīntiān jīngshén hái búcuò.English
Example 2 (Discussing plans): 虽然下雨了，但是我们带了雨伞，可以去公园散步。
Pinyin
Suīrán xià yǔ le, dànshì wǒmen dài le yǔsǎn, kěyǐ qù gōngyuán sànbù.English
- Text Messaging and Social Media: In digital communication, conciseness is often valued, but 虽然...但是 is still commonly used to convey a full thought without ambiguity. Its structure helps keep messages clear.
Example 1 (Social media post): 虽然工作很累，但是周末有美食就满足了！
Pinyin
Suīrán gōngzuò hěn lèi, dànshì zhōumò yǒu měishí jiù mǎnzú le!English
Example 2 (Texting a friend): 虽然我很想帮你，但是我现在走不开，抱歉！
Pinyin
Suīrán wǒ hěn xiǎng bāng nǐ, dànshì wǒ xiànzài zǒu bu kāi, bàoxiàn!English
- Formal and Workplace Contexts (simplified for A1): Even in more formal settings, the pattern is essential for presenting balanced arguments, discussing challenges, or acknowledging limitations. At an A1 level, this might involve simple observations rather than complex reports.
Example (Simple observation in a meeting): 虽然这个方案成本高，但是它的效果会更好。
Pinyin
Suīrán zhège fāng'àn chéngběn gāo, dànshì tā de xiàoguǒ huì gèng hǎo.English
Example (Performance review context): 虽然他在某些方面有进步，但是还需要多加努力。
Pinyin
Suīrán tā zài mǒu xiē fāngmiàn yǒu jìnbù, dànshì hái xūyào duō jiā nǔlì.English
Across these contexts, 虽然...但是 maintains its core function of framing a concession against a contrasting reality. The consistency of its usage reinforces its importance and makes it a reliable pattern for learners to adopt. You'll hear and see it constantly, which provides ample opportunity to practice recognizing and using it.
Quick FAQ
虽然...但是 and their precise answers to clarify any remaining doubts.- Q: Can
虽然be used by itself?
虽然 almost never appears alone at the beginning of a clause in modern Chinese to mean "although." It functions as the first part of a conjunction pair. Using 虽然 without 但是 (or 可是) leaves the sentence grammatically incomplete, setting up an expectation of contrast that is never fulfilled.- Q: Can
但是be used by itself?
但是 can be used as a standalone conjunction, much like "but" or "however" in English. It connects two independent sentences or clauses, where the first clause provides context and 但是 introduces a contrasting idea.虽然.但是他没有时间。 (Tā xiǎng xué Zhōngwén, dànshì tā méi yǒu shíjiān.) – He wants to learn Chinese, but he doesn't have time.- Q: Is
虽然...但是more for writing or speaking?
- Q: Does the comma always have to be there?
虽然 clause and the 但是 clause is standard and grammatically correct. It signals a pause and separates the two distinct parts of the sentence. In very informal contexts, such as casual text messages on platforms like WeChat, people might occasionally omit the comma for brevity.- Q: What about the historical or classical origins of
虽然...但是?
虽 and 但 have ancient roots in Chinese. 虽 (suī) has been used for centuries to mean "although" or "even if," appearing in classical texts like the Analects of Confucius. 但 (dàn) also historically meant "but" or "only." The pairing of 虽然 and 但是 developed over time to become the fixed, standard conjunction of concession and contrast that it is in modern Mandarin.Basic Sentence Structure
| Part 1 | Clause 1 | Part 2 | Clause 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
虽然
|
他很忙
|
但是
|
他还是来了
|
|
虽然
|
天气冷
|
但是
|
我想游泳
|
|
虽然
|
很贵
|
但是
|
很好看
|
|
虽然
|
我不饿
|
但是
|
我吃了一点
|
|
虽然
|
路很远
|
但是
|
风景美
|
|
虽然
|
他没钱
|
但是
|
他快乐
|
Common Variations
| Full Form | Casual Form | Note |
|---|---|---|
|
虽然...但是
|
虽然...可是
|
Common in speech
|
|
虽然...但是
|
虽然... (comma)
|
Very casual, omit 'but'
|
|
虽然...但是
|
尽管...但是
|
More formal
|
Meanings
This structure is used to express a contrast between two facts or situations, where the second clause contradicts the expectation set by the first.
Contrastive Concession
Acknowledging a fact while introducing a conflicting outcome.
“{虽然|suīrán}他很忙，{但是|dànshì}他还是帮了我。”
“{虽然|suīrán}这件衣服很贵，{但是|dànshì}很好看。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard
|
虽然 A, 但是 B
|
虽然累，但是开心
|
|
Subject-First
|
Subj + 虽然 A, 但是 B
|
他虽然累，但是开心
|
|
Negative
|
虽然不 A, 但是 B
|
虽然不饿，但是想吃
|
|
Question
|
虽然 A, 但是 B 吗?
|
虽然累，但是你还要去吗?
|
|
Formal
|
尽管 A, 但是 B
|
尽管困难，但是坚持
|
|
Casual
|
虽然 A, 可是 B
|
虽然贵，可是好看
|
Formality Spectrum
尽管天降大雨，我仍将外出。 (Going out in the rain)
虽然下雨，但是我要出去。 (Going out in the rain)
虽然下雨，但我还是要出去。 (Going out in the rain)
下雨了，但我照样出去。 (Going out in the rain)
The Contrast Bridge
Function
- Contrast Opposing ideas
Structure
- 虽然 Although
- 但是 But
Examples by Level
{虽然|suīrán}很累，{但是|dànshì}我很开心。
Although I am tired, I am happy.
{虽然|suīrán}下雨，{但是|dànshì}我要去学校。
Although it is raining, I am going to school.
{虽然|suīrán}很贵，{但是|dànshì}很好吃。
Although it is expensive, it is delicious.
{虽然|suīrán}我不懂，{但是|dànshì}我想学。
Although I don't understand, I want to learn.
他{虽然|suīrán}没钱，{但是|dànshì}他很快乐。
Although he has no money, he is happy.
{虽然|suīrán}工作很难，{但是|dànshì}很有意思。
Although the work is hard, it is interesting.
{虽然|suīrán}我不喜欢咖啡，{但是|dànshì}我喝了一杯。
Although I don't like coffee, I drank a cup.
{虽然|suīrán}路很远，{但是|dànshì}风景很美。
Although the road is long, the scenery is beautiful.
{虽然|suīrán}他解释了很多次，{但是|dànshì}我还是没听懂。
Although he explained many times, I still didn't understand.
{虽然|suīrán}现在是冬天，{但是|dànshì}天气很暖和。
Although it is winter now, the weather is warm.
{虽然|suīrán}我们是朋友，{但是|dànshì}我们有很多不同。
Although we are friends, we have many differences.
{虽然|suīrán}计划变了，{但是|dànshì}目标没变。
Although the plan changed, the goal didn't.
{虽然|suīrán}这项技术很先进，{但是|dànshì}成本太高了。
Although this technology is advanced, the cost is too high.
{虽然|suīrán}他有丰富的经验，{但是|dànshì}他缺乏创造力。
Although he has rich experience, he lacks creativity.
{虽然|suīrán}这只是初步研究，{但是|dànshì}结果很令人振奋。
Although this is just preliminary research, the results are exciting.
{虽然|suīrán}面临很多困难，{但是|dànshì}他们没有放弃。
Although facing many difficulties, they didn't give up.
{虽然|suīrán}在全球化的背景下，{但是|dànshì}本土文化依然重要。
Although in the context of globalization, local culture remains important.
{虽然|suīrán}理论上可行，{但是|dànshì}实际操作中有很多变数。
Although theoretically feasible, there are many variables in practice.
{虽然|suīrán}他极力辩解，{但是|dànshì}证据确凿。
Although he argued strongly, the evidence is conclusive.
{虽然|suīrán}环境恶劣，{但是|dànshì}生命依然顽强。
Although the environment is harsh, life remains tenacious.
{虽然|suīrán}历经沧桑，{但是|dànshì}这座古城依然保留了原貌。
Although having experienced many vicissitudes, this ancient city still retains its original appearance.
{虽然|suīrán}众说纷纭，{但是|dànshì}真相只有一个。
Although there are many opinions, there is only one truth.
{虽然|suīrán}看似矛盾，{但是|dànshì}这正是其魅力所在。
Although seemingly contradictory, this is exactly where its charm lies.
{虽然|suīrán}前路漫漫，{但是|dànshì}我们终将到达。
Although the road ahead is long, we will eventually arrive.
Easily Confused
Learners mix up contrast (although) with cause/effect (because).
Both mean 'but'.
Both mean 'although'.
Common Mistakes
虽然他很忙，他还是来了。
虽然他很忙，但是他还是来了。
他很忙，但是虽然他来了。
虽然他很忙，但是他来了。
虽然他很忙，但是但是他来了。
虽然他很忙，但是他来了。
虽然他很忙，可是他来了。
虽然他很忙，但是他来了。
虽然是下雨，但是我不去。
虽然下雨，但是我不去。
虽然很贵，但是买。
虽然很贵，但是我还是买了。
虽然他很累，但是他去工作。
虽然他很累，但是他还是去工作了。
尽管他很忙，但是他还是来了。
尽管他很忙，他还是来了。
虽然他很忙，但是他还是来了，虽然。
虽然他很忙，但是他还是来了。
虽然他很忙，但是他还是来了，可是。
虽然他很忙，但是他还是来了。
虽然理论上可行，但是实际上很难。
虽然理论上可行，但实际上很难。
虽然他很有钱，但是他很小气。
他虽有钱，但很小气。
虽然他很聪明，但是他很懒。
他虽聪明，然则懒惰。
Sentence Patterns
虽然___，但是___。
他虽然___，但是___。
虽然___，但是___吗？
虽然___，但是___还是___。
Real World Usage
虽然很忙，但还是想见你。
虽然这电影很长，但是真的很好看！
虽然我经验不多，但是我很努力。
虽然这道菜很辣，但是味道很棒。
虽然路很难走，但是风景值得。
虽然数据有限，但是结论明确。
The Pair Rule
Don't skip
Subject placement
Regional variation
Smart Tips
Always use the pair. Don't leave one out.
Put the subject before '虽然' for a smoother flow.
Use '尽管' instead of '虽然'.
Add '还是' (still) in the second clause.
Pronunciation
Tone of 虽然
Both are second tones, keep them rising.
Contrastive pause
虽然 [pause] 但是
The pause after the first clause emphasizes the contrast.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '虽然' as a 'Sigh' (it's hard) and '但是' as a 'But' (the flip).
Visual Association
Imagine a seesaw. On one side is 'Although', on the other is 'But'. They balance the sentence.
Rhyme
虽然 at the start, 但是 in the heart, contrast is the art.
Story
Xiao Ming wanted to eat ice cream. Although it was winter, he bought one. But he got a cold. He learned that although he wanted it, he should have waited.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your day using this structure in 5 minutes.
Cultural Notes
Very standard in all contexts.
Often use '可是' more frequently than '但是'.
Often use '雖然...但係' in spoken Mandarin.
The structure evolved from classical Chinese concessive markers.
Conversation Starters
虽然你很忙，但是你喜欢你的工作吗？
虽然这道菜很辣，但是你觉得好吃吗？
虽然天气不好，但是你打算去哪里吗？
虽然学习中文很难，但是你为什么想学？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
___他很累，但是他还是工作。
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
虽然很贵，我买了。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Although it is cold, I want to go out.
Answer starts with: 虽然很...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Change '他很忙，但他来了' to use '虽然'.
A: 你喜欢这件衣服吗？ B: ___，但是太贵了。
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises___他很累，但是他还是工作。
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
虽然很贵，我买了。
但是 / 虽然 / 他 / 忙 / 来了
Although it is cold, I want to go out.
虽然很累 (A) / 但是 (B) / 他还是工作 (C)
Change '他很忙，但他来了' to use '虽然'.
A: 你喜欢这件衣服吗？ B: ___，但是太贵了。
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercises______ {天气|tiānqì} {很|hěn} {冷|lěng}，`但是` {他|tā} {穿|chuān} {得|de} {很|hěn} {少|shǎo}。
，/ `但是` / 很 / 便宜 / `虽然` / 不 / 好看 / 这件衣服
Although the exam was difficult, I passed.
`虽然` {他|tā} {道歉|dàoqiàn} {了|le}，______ {我|wǒ} {还是|háishì} {很|hěn} {生气|shēngqì}。
他`虽然`是我的哥哥，`但是`我比他高。
{这个|zhège} {手机|shǒujī} {很|hěn} {漂亮|piàoliang}，______ {有点|yǒudiǎn} {贵|guì}。
`虽然` {我|wǒ} {很|hěn} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù} {旅游|lǚyóu}，`但是` {我|wǒ} {没有|méiyǒu} {足够|zúgòu} {的|de} {钱|qián}。
喜欢 / `虽然` / 她 / `但是` / 我 / 我 / 不 / 她
我`但是`想帮你，`虽然`我不知道怎么做。
Select the grammatically incorrect sentence.
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
In very casual speech, yes, but it's better to use both for clarity.
It can go before or after '虽然'.
No, you can also use '可是'.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing.
'尽管' is more formal.
Chinese grammar relies on pairs for contrast.
Yes, it works for any contrast.
Write sentences about your daily life.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Aunque...pero
Spanish doesn't always require the 'pero' if 'aunque' is used.
Bien que...mais
Chinese does not use subjunctive mood.
Obwohl...aber
Chinese word order remains the same.
～けれども...が
Chinese uses conjunctions at the start of clauses.
على الرغم من...لكن
Chinese uses a conjunction pair.
虽然...但是
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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