Although... But... (虽然...但是...)
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}他很累, 他还是去工作了。
- Place {但是|dànshì} before the second clause: 他很累, {但是|dànshì}他还是去工作了。
- You can omit {虽然|suīrán} in casual speech, but keep {但是|dànshì} for clarity.
Overview
Mastering correlative conjunctions is fundamental to expressing complex ideas in any language. In Chinese, the pair 虽然...但是... (suīrán... dànshì...) serves as a cornerstone for articulating concession and contrast.
Roughly translating to "although... but..." or "even though... nevertheless...", this structure allows you to acknowledge a fact or situation (虽然 clause) while simultaneously introducing a contrasting or unexpected outcome (但是 clause).
It's not merely a linguistic connector; it reflects a common cognitive process of weighing a premise against a different reality, crucial for nuanced communication in both daily interactions and formal discourse.
At its core, 虽然...但是... provides a robust framework for presenting two clauses where the second clause somehow qualifies, limits, or contradicts an expectation set by the first. This pattern is indispensable for A2 learners as it enables the creation of more sophisticated sentences than simple conjunctions like 和 (hé, "and") or 或者 (huòzhě, "or"). It moves your Chinese from stating isolated facts to connecting them logically, making your expressions more coherent and closer to native speech.
How This Grammar Works
虽然...但是... functions as a correlative conjunction pair, meaning both parts work together to link two clauses. Unlike English, where you typically choose between "although" or "but" (e.g., "Although it's raining, I'm going out" OR "It's raining, but I'm going out"), Chinese frequently employs both 虽然 and 但是 in the same sentence. This joint usage emphasizes the concession and the subsequent contrast, providing greater clarity and rhetorical force.虽然 (suīrán) clause introduces a concession or a known fact. It sets the stage by acknowledging a condition, situation, or premise. This premise often suggests a certain outcome or expectation.虽然天气很冷 (suīrán tiānqì hěn lěng, "Although the weather is very cold"), the natural expectation might be that you would stay indoors.但是 (dànshì) clause, which presents the contrast or the actual, often unexpected, result. It directly follows the 虽然 clause and introduces the information that counters the implied expectation or stands in opposition to the concession. Continuing the example, 但是我不怕 (dànshì wǒ bú pà, "but I'm not afraid") completely changes the narrative.虽然他很忙，但是他还是来了。 (Suīrán tā hěn máng, dànshì tā háishì lái le.) – "Although he was very busy, he still came." Here, 他很忙 (he is busy) is the concession, setting an expectation of his absence. 他还是来了 (he still came) is the contrasting, unexpected outcome. The use of both 虽然 and 但是 makes this relationship explicit and strong.但是 in such a context, though sometimes heard in very casual speech, would often sound incomplete or less impactful to a native speaker, especially in written or more formal communication.Formation Pattern
虽然...但是... involves two clauses, each conveying a distinct idea, connected by the correlative pair. There are two primary patterns, largely determined by the placement of the subject relative to 虽然. A comma (，) is typically used to separate the two clauses.
虽然 + Clause A, 但是 + Clause B
虽然, indicating that the entire statement, including the concession, revolves around that subject.
我虽然很累，但是我想看电影。 | Wǒ suīrán hěn lèi, dànshì wǒ xiǎng kàn diànyǐng. | "Although I am very tired, I want to watch a movie." |
他虽然有钱，但是他不快乐。 | Tā suīrán yǒu qián, dànshì tā bù kuàilè. | "Although he has money, he is not happy." |
我 (I) and 他 (he) are the subjects governing both the concession (很累, 有钱) and the contrast (想看电影, 不快乐).
虽然 + (Subject) + Clause A, 但是 + (Subject) + Clause B
虽然 at the very beginning of the sentence, immediately introducing the concession. The subject of the 虽然 clause can either follow 虽然 directly or be omitted if it's clear from context, especially if it's the same subject as the 但是 clause. If the subject is the same for both clauses, it can often be omitted in the 但是 clause for conciseness.
虽然汉语很难，但是很有意思。 | Suīrán Hànyǔ hěn nán, dànshì hěn yǒu yìsi. | "Although Chinese is difficult, it is very interesting." |
虽然下雨了，但是我们还是要去。 | Suīrán xià yǔ le, dànshì wǒmen háishì yào qù. | "Although it's raining, we still want to go." |
但是 clause) will generally appear after 但是.
虽然我很想去，但是他不想去。 (Suīrán wǒ hěn xiǎng qù, dànshì tā bù xiǎng qù.) – "Although I really want to go, he doesn't want to go."
但是:
可是 (kěshì): This is a direct synonym for 但是, often perceived as slightly softer and more conversational. You can swap them in most everyday contexts without a significant change in meaning.
虽然他很聪明，可是他很懒。 (Suīrán tā hěn cōngmíng, kěshì tā hěn lǎn.) – "Although he is smart, but he is lazy."
却 (què): While 却 can sometimes replace 但是 to express contrast, it often carries a stronger nuance of unexpectedness or contrary to expectation. 却 typically functions as an adverb and is placed before the verb in the second clause, rather than acting as a full conjunction like 但是. It implies "nevertheless" or "on the contrary."
虽然他说了很多，却什么也没做。 (Suīrán tā shuō le hěn duō, què shénme yě méi zuò.) – "Although he said a lot, he did nothing instead."
但是...却... for added emphasis: 虽然下雨了，但是他却没带伞。 (Suīrán xià yǔ le, dànshì tā què méi dài sǎn.) – "Although it's raining, he didn't bring an umbrella (unexpectedly)."
When To Use It
虽然...但是... construction is versatile and essential for expressing various forms of concession and contrast in Chinese. Its applications extend across numerous communicative situations, allowing you to articulate complexities and nuances.- 1Expressing Unexpected Outcomes or Opinions: When the second part of your statement goes against the natural expectation set by the first part. This is its most fundamental use.
虽然我没学习，但是考试及格了。(Suīrán wǒ méi xuéxí, dànshì kǎoshì jí gé le.) – "Although I didn't study, I passed the exam." (The unexpected outcome is passing despite not studying.)虽然她很有钱，但是她一点儿都不高兴。(Suīrán tā hěn yǒu qián, dànshì tā yìdiǎnr dōu bù gāoxìng.) – "Although she is very rich, she is not happy at all." (Wealth typically implies happiness, but here it's contrasted.)
- 1Acknowledging a Negative Point to Emphasize a Positive (or vice-versa): This pattern is excellent for diplomatic communication, allowing you to concede a less favorable aspect before highlighting a more important or positive one, or to state a positive then emphasize a negative limitation. This is particularly useful in cultures that value harmony, as it allows for softer disagreement or criticism by first validating a premise.
虽然这件衣服很贵，但是质量很好。(Suīrán zhè jiàn yīfu hěn guì, dànshì zhìliàng hěn hǎo.) – "Although this piece of clothing is expensive, the quality is very good." (Conceding the price, emphasizing quality.)虽然她很漂亮，但是脾气不太好。(Suīrán tā hěn piàoliang, dànshì píqi bú tài hǎo.) – "Although she is very pretty, her temper is not very good." (Conceding beauty, emphasizing a flaw.)
- 1Justifying Actions Despite Obstacles: When you wish to explain why you proceeded with an action even though there was a reason not to.
虽然生病了，但是他还是去上班了。(Suīrán shēng bìng le, dànshì tā háishì qù shàngbān le.) – "Although he was sick, he still went to work." (Justifying going to work despite illness.)虽然外面下着大雨，但是我们决定出去。(Suīrán wàimiàn xiàzhe dàyǔ, dànshì wǒmen juédìng chūqù.) – "Although it's raining heavily outside, we decided to go out." (Explaining the decision to go out despite the rain.)
虽然...但是..., you gain the ability to express complex causal relationships and personal stances that move beyond simple statements of fact. It’s a crucial step towards becoming a more articulate and persuasive Chinese speaker.Common Mistakes
虽然...但是.... Recognizing these common errors and understanding why they occur is essential for proper acquisition.- 1Omitting
但是(or a similar contrasting conjunction): This is by far the most frequent mistake, particularly for English speakers. In English, it's grammatically correct to say "Although it's expensive, I'll buy it" without a "but." Directly translating this structure into Chinese by only using虽然often leaves the sentence feeling incomplete or grammatically incorrect to a native speaker. The Chinese ear expects the explicit correlative pairing for clarity and completeness.
- Incorrect:
虽然很贵，我买了。(Suīrán hěn guì, wǒ mǎi le.) – (Sounds incomplete.) - Correct:
虽然很贵，但是我买了。(Suīrán hěn guì, dànshì wǒ mǎi le.) – "Although it's expensive, I bought it."
- 1Incorrect Subject Placement with Different Subjects: When the two clauses have different subjects, ensuring each subject is correctly placed is critical. Forgetting to reintroduce the second subject can lead to confusion.
- Incorrect:
虽然我喜欢咖啡，他不喜欢茶。(Suīrán wǒ xǐhuan kāfēi, tā bù xǐhuan chá.) – (Grammatically ambiguous, better to use但是.) - Correct:
虽然我喜欢咖啡，但是他不喜欢茶。(Suīrán wǒ xǐhuan kāfēi, dànshì tā bù xǐhuan chá.) – "Although I like coffee, he doesn't like tea."
他 must clearly follow 但是 to disambiguate the agents of the actions.- 1Confusing
虽然...但是...with尽管...但是...: While尽管...但是...(jǐnguǎn... dànshì...) also expresses concession and contrast,尽管is generally stronger and more formal than虽然. It implies a greater degree of defiance or overcoming a significant obstacle, often translating to "even though," "in spite of," or "regardless of."
虽然...但是... | 尽管...但是... |尽管有很多困难，但是他还是成功了。 (Jǐnguǎn yǒu hěn duō kùnnan, dànshì tā háishì chénggōng le.) – "Even though there were many difficulties, he still succeeded." (Here, 尽管 highlights the magnitude of the difficulties.)- 1Confusing
虽然...但是...with不但...而且...(bùdàn... érqiě...): These two correlative pairs serve entirely different functions.虽然...但是...expresses contrast or opposition, while不但...而且...means "not only... but also..." and expresses addition or furtherance. Using one when the other is intended fundamentally alters the meaning of your sentence.
虽然...但是... | Contrast/Concession | 虽然他很高，但是他不会打篮球。 | Suīrán tā hěn gāo, dànshì tā bú huì dǎ lánqiú. | "Although he is tall, he cannot play basketball." |不但...而且... | Addition/Furtherance | 他不但很高，而且很会打篮球。 | Tā bùdàn hěn gāo, érqiě hěn huì dǎ lánqiú. | "He is not only tall, but also good at playing basketball." |- 1Using
但是on its own inappropriately: While但是can certainly stand alone as a conjunction (like "but" at the start of an English sentence), particularly in casual speech or to introduce a contrasting thought after a pause, its usage without虽然implies a slightly different rhetorical effect. When the concession is implicitly understood or less formally presented,但是alone suffices. However, for a clear and robust presentation of both the concession and the contrast, the full虽然...但是...pair is preferred and often expected in formal contexts or for clear communication.
我喜欢吃苹果，但是不喜欢吃香蕉。(Wǒ xǐhuan chī píngguǒ, dànshì bù xǐhuan chī xiāngjiāo.) – "I like to eat apples, but I don't like to eat bananas." (Here, the contrast is direct and the initial statement doesn't strongly set up an expectation that needs虽然to concede.)
Real Conversations
Understanding 虽然...但是... conceptually is one thing; observing its natural use in contemporary Chinese conversations reveals its true versatility and integration into everyday communication. This pattern isn't confined to textbooks; it's a dynamic tool used across various registers, from casual chat to more formal exchanges.
1. Casual Conversation & Texting: In informal settings, the pattern often appears in slightly condensed forms, or speakers might quickly transition without fully articulating 虽然 if the context is obvious. However, the full pair remains prevalent.
- Texting/Chat: 虽然很忙，但是记得吃饭！ (Suīrán hěn máng, dànshì jìde chī fàn!) – "Although (you're) busy, remember to eat!" (A common caring message.)
- Casual chat: 这个电影虽然有点长，但是故事真的很好。 (Zhège diànyǐng suīrán yǒudiǎnr cháng, dànshì gùshi zhēnde hěn hǎo.) – "This movie, although a bit long, has a really good story." (Expressing a balanced opinion.)
- Expressing a dilemma: 虽然很想去旅行，但是没钱。 (Suīrán hěn xiǎng qù lǚxíng, dànshì méi qián.) – "Although I really want to travel, I don't have money." (A common lament.)
2. Work and Academic Contexts: In more formal or professional environments, the full 虽然...但是... structure is consistently used to ensure clarity and convey precise logical relationships. It's crucial for presenting balanced arguments, discussing project challenges, or evaluating situations.
- Meeting discussion: 虽然我们面临一些挑战，但是我们有信心克服它们。 (Suīrán wǒmen miànlín yìxiē tiǎozhàn, dànshì wǒmen yǒu xìnxīn kèfú tāmen.) – "Although we face some challenges, we are confident in overcoming them." (Acknowledging problems while maintaining a positive outlook.)
- Academic writing/presentations: 虽然这项研究数据有限，但是其发现为未来研究提供了重要启示。 (Suīrán zhè xiàng yánjiū shùjù yǒuxiàn, dànshì qí fāxiàn wèi wèilái yánjiū tígōng le zhòngyào qǐshì.) – "Although the data for this study is limited, its findings provide important insights for future research." (A classic academic framing of research limitations vs. contributions.)
3. Social Media & Reviews: People use 虽然...但是... to give balanced feedback, express nuanced feelings about products or experiences, or even to create humorous contrasts.
- Product review: 这个咖啡店虽然环境很好，但是咖啡味道一般。 (Zhège kāfēidiàn suīrán huánjìng hěn hǎo, dànshì kāfēi wèidào yìbān.) – "Although this coffee shop has a great ambiance, the coffee taste is just average." (A balanced review.)
- Personal reflection (e.g., Instagram caption): 虽然今天很累，但是很充实。 (Suīrán jīntiān hěn lèi, dànshì hěn chōngshí.) – "Although I'm very tired today, it was very fulfilling." (Reflecting on a busy day.)
Observing these real-world examples demonstrates that 虽然...但是... is not merely a grammatical pattern but a powerful tool for conveying complex thoughts, balancing perspectives, and managing expectations in a culturally appropriate manner. Its consistent use across various communication channels underscores its importance in achieving fluency.
Quick FAQ
虽然...但是...:- Q: Can I drop
虽然and just use但是?
Yes, in very casual speech, or when the concessive nature of the first clause is implicitly understood, you might hear or use 但是 alone. For instance, after someone makes a statement, you can start your contrasting reply with 但是... ("But..."). However, for complete, clear, and grammatically robust sentences, especially in writing or more formal spoken contexts, using both 虽然 and 但是 is highly recommended and generally preferred.
- Q: Is
但是more formal than可是?
但是 is generally considered the standard and slightly more formal conjunction for "but." 可是 (kěshì) conveys a similar meaning but often feels a bit softer, more conversational, and can sometimes imply a subtle sense of regret or mild objection. For A2 learners, either is usually acceptable, but be aware of this slight difference in nuance.
- Q: Can
虽然...但是...be used for two positive things?
No, 虽然...但是... is specifically for expressing contrast or a relationship between a concession and an unexpected outcome. If you want to connect two positive (or two negative) ideas that are additive, you should use patterns like 不但...而且... (bùdàn... érqiě..., "not only... but also...") or simply connect them with 和 (hé, "and"). For example, 她不但聪明而且漂亮。 (Tā bùdàn cōngmíng érqiě piàoliang.) – "She is not only smart but also beautiful."
- Q: Does the subject have to be the same in both clauses?
No, the subjects can be different. If the subjects are different, you must explicitly state both subjects, typically placing the second subject after 但是. For example: 虽然我喜欢吃辣的，但是他不喜欢。 (Suīrán wǒ xǐhuan chī là de, dànshì tā bù xǐhuan.) – "Although I like spicy food, he doesn't."
- Q: What about
不过(búguò)? Is it similar?
不过 (búguò) also means "but" or "however," and it is often softer and less emphatic than 但是. It is frequently used to introduce a minor qualification, a gentle change of topic, or a less strong contrast. While 不过 can sometimes replace 但是 in informal contexts, it doesn't typically pair with 虽然. 不过 is excellent for situations where you want to mildly disagree or add a slight reservation without a strong confrontation.
- Q: Can
却(què) be used with虽然?
Yes, 却 (què) can be used in the 但是 clause, often either replacing 但是 entirely (less common for A2, but possible) or appearing after 但是 and before the verb to emphasize an even stronger, more surprising, or unexpected contrast. For example, 虽然他很有钱，但是他却很小气。 (Suīrán tā hěn yǒu qián, dànshì tā què hěn xiǎoqì.) – "Although he is rich, he is unexpectedly stingy."
Sentence Structure
| Part 1 | Clause 1 | Part 2 | Clause 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
虽然
|
Subject + Verb
|
但是
|
Subject + Verb
|
|
虽然
|
Adjective
|
但是
|
Adjective
|
|
Subject + 虽然
|
Verb
|
但是
|
Verb
|
Common Variations
| Formal | Informal | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
虽然...但是
|
虽然...可
|
Casual
|
|
虽然...但是
|
虽然...不过
|
Softening
|
|
虽然...但是
|
...但是
|
Dropping 虽然
|
Meanings
This structure is used to express a concession or contrast between two facts, where the second fact is unexpected given the first.
Concession
Acknowledging a fact while introducing a counter-point.
“{虽然|suīrán}这件衣服很贵, {但是|dànshì}很好看。”
“{虽然|suīrán}他没学过中文, {但是|dànshì}说得很好。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard
|
虽然 A, 但是 B
|
虽然累, 但是开心
|
|
Subject First
|
A 虽然, 但是 B
|
他虽然累, 但是开心
|
|
Softened
|
虽然 A, 可是 B
|
虽然累, 可是开心
|
|
Casual
|
A, 但是 B
|
累, 但是开心
|
|
Formal
|
虽然 A, 然而 B
|
虽然困难, 然而可行
|
Formality Spectrum
虽然价格昂贵，但我仍将购买。 (Shopping)
虽然很贵，但是我还是会买。 (Shopping)
虽然贵，但我还是买。 (Shopping)
虽然贵，买！ (Shopping)
The Contrast Seesaw
Concession
- 虽然 Although
Result
- 但是 But
Examples by Level
{虽然|suīrán}很冷, {但是|dànshì}我不怕。
Although it is cold, I am not afraid.
{虽然|suīrán}他是老师, {但是|dànshì}很年轻。
Although he is a teacher, he is young.
{虽然|suīrán}很小, {但是|dànshì}很好。
Although it is small, it is good.
{虽然|suīrán}累, {但是|dànshì}开心。
Although tired, I am happy.
{虽然|suīrán}我学了很久, {但是|dànshì}还是不会。
Although I studied for a long time, I still don't know it.
{虽然|suīrán}这儿很贵, {但是|dànshì}服务很好。
Although it is expensive here, the service is good.
{虽然|suīrán}他没来, {但是|dànshì}他打电话了。
Although he didn't come, he called.
{虽然|suīrán}电影很长, {但是|dànshì}很有意思。
Although the movie is long, it is interesting.
{虽然|suīrán}公司有困难, {但是|dànshì}我们没有放弃。
Although the company has difficulties, we haven't given up.
{虽然|suīrán}他经验不足, {但是|dànshì}他学习能力很强。
Although he lacks experience, his learning ability is strong.
{虽然|suīrán}交通很拥堵, {但是|dànshì}我们准时到了。
Although traffic is congested, we arrived on time.
{虽然|suīrán}这是一个挑战, {但是|dànshì}值得尝试。
Although this is a challenge, it is worth trying.
{虽然|suīrán}政策有所改变, {但是|dànshì}核心目标保持不变。
Although the policy has changed, the core goal remains the same.
{虽然|suīrán}数据并不完美, {但是|dànshì}足以说明问题。
Although the data is not perfect, it is sufficient to illustrate the point.
{虽然|suīrán}他表现得不在乎, {但是|dànshì}内心其实很在意。
Although he acts indifferent, he actually cares deeply inside.
{虽然|suīrán}过程很痛苦, {但是|dànshì}结果是好的。
Although the process was painful, the result is good.
{虽然|suīrán}该方案在理论上可行, {但是|dànshì}在实际操作中存在诸多障碍。
Although the plan is theoretically feasible, there are many obstacles in practice.
{虽然|suīrán}他极力辩解, {但是|dànshì}证据确凿, 不容置疑。
Although he tried hard to justify, the evidence is solid and indisputable.
{虽然|suīrán}时代在变迁, {但是|dànshì}传统文化依然有其生命力。
Although times are changing, traditional culture still has its vitality.
{虽然|suīrán}外界压力巨大, {但是|dànshì}他始终坚守自己的原则。
Although the external pressure is huge, he always sticks to his principles.
{虽然|suīrán}其论点看似激进, {但是|dànshì}深入剖析后不难发现其逻辑自洽。
Although the argument seems radical, it is not hard to find its internal logic after deep analysis.
{虽然|suīrán}历经沧桑, {但是|dànshì}这座古城依然散发着独特的魅力。
Although it has gone through many vicissitudes, this ancient city still exudes a unique charm.
{虽然|suīrán}他身处高位, {但是|dànshì}始终保持着谦逊的态度。
Although he is in a high position, he always maintains a humble attitude.
{虽然|suīrán}这并非最优解, {但是|dànshì}在当前环境下已是权宜之计。
Although this is not the optimal solution, it is an expedient measure in the current environment.
Easily Confused
Learners mix up facts and hypotheticals.
Both are pairs, but one is cause/effect, one is contrast.
Both are pairs, but one is addition, one is contrast.
Common Mistakes
虽然他很累，但是他睡觉。
虽然他很累，但是他还是去睡觉了。
他虽然很累，他但是睡觉。
他虽然很累，但是他睡觉。
虽然他很累，可是他睡觉。
虽然他很累，但是他还是睡觉了。
虽然很累，但是睡觉。
虽然很累，但是他还是睡觉了。
虽然很贵，但是我不买。
虽然很贵，但是我还是买了。
虽然下雨，但是我们去。
虽然下雨，但是我们还是去了。
虽然他聪明，但是他不学习。
虽然他聪明，但是他不学习。
虽然但是他很忙。
虽然他很忙，但是...
虽然他很忙，但是他很忙。
虽然他很忙，但是他还是...
虽然他忙，但是他去。
虽然他忙，但是他还是去了。
虽然他很忙，但是他去。
虽然他很忙，但他还是去了。
虽然他很忙，但是他去。
虽然他很忙，然而他还是去了。
虽然他很忙，但是他去。
虽然他很忙，但他依然去了。
Sentence Patterns
虽然___, 但是___.
虽然___, 但是他还是___.
虽然___, 但是___.
虽然___, 但是___.
Real World Usage
虽然很累，但是很值得！
虽然我经验不多，但是我有很强的学习能力。
虽然晚了，但是我会去。
虽然酒店有点远，但是环境很好。
虽然送得慢，但是很好吃。
虽然数据有限，但是结论可靠。
Subject Placement
Don't skip '但是'
Use '可' for variety
Formal vs Informal
Smart Tips
Use '然而' instead of '但是' for a higher register.
You can drop '虽然' to sound more natural.
Add '还是' (still) in the second clause.
Keep the adjectives simple for better flow.
Pronunciation
Tone flow
Ensure the second tone in {虽然|suīrán} is clear.
Pause
虽然 [pause] 但是
The pause emphasizes the contrast.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '虽然' as the 'Although' anchor and '但是' as the 'But' bridge.
Visual Association
Imagine a person holding a heavy umbrella (虽然) but still walking in the sun (但是).
Rhyme
虽然开头先出现，但是转折在中间。
Story
Xiao Ming wanted to buy a car. Although it was expensive, he bought it anyway. He used '虽然' to show the price and '但是' to show his decision.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your day using this structure.
Cultural Notes
Very common in formal speeches.
Often uses '可是' more frequently.
Often mixes with Cantonese particles.
Derived from classical Chinese concessive structures.
Conversation Starters
虽然今天很忙，但是你...
虽然这道菜很辣，但是...
虽然学习中文很难，但是...
虽然现在的技术很先进，但是...
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
虽然他很忙，___他还是来了。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
虽然他很聪明，所以他不学习。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Although it is expensive, I will buy it.
Answer starts with: 虽然很...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use 虽然...但是 to describe a movie.
虽然困难，___可行。
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises虽然他很忙，___他还是来了。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
虽然他很聪明，所以他不学习。
但是 / 虽然 / 很累 / 他 / 还是 / 去
Although it is expensive, I will buy it.
虽然下雨...
Use 虽然...但是 to describe a movie.
虽然困难，___可行。
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises___ 这里的菜很贵，但是很好吃。
我喜欢这件衣服虽然，但是太贵了。
忙 / 很 / 虽然 / 但是 / 老师 / 帮 / 我 / 了
Although it is Monday, I am very happy.
Choose the logical contrast:
Match the start to the logical end:
虽然我作业很多，___ 我想玩游戏。
虽然这儿很美，但是我想留在这儿。
Which one is more formal?
Translate the sentence:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, but it's less formal and less emphatic.
Before or after '虽然'.
Yes, '可是' is slightly softer.
Yes, it's very common.
Check if you have both parts.
The structure evolved from it.
Yes, it works for any tense.
Yes, some regions prefer '可是'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Aunque... pero...
Spanish doesn't always require the second part.
Bien que... mais...
French requires subjunctive after bien que.
Obwohl... aber...
German word order changes after obwohl.
〜けれども
Japanese is agglutinative.
على الرغم من... لكن
Arabic is more formal.
虽然...但是
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Continue With
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