虽然 (suīrán) — although
HSK 3 | conjunction | although, even though — introduces a concession, paired with 但是 or 还是
虽然 (suīrán)
虽然 introduces a concessive clause: it acknowledges a fact or difficulty, then contrasts it with an unexpected or opposite outcome. It is almost always paired with 但是 (dànshì) or 还是 (háishi) in the second clause.
Meanings
- [conjunction] Although; even though; granted that.
Example Sentences
虽然很累，但是我还是坚持下去了。 Suīrán hěn lèi, dànshì wǒ háishi jiānchí xiàqù le. Although I was very tired, I still persisted.
虽然他年轻，但是经验很丰富。 Suīrán tā niánqīng, dànshì jīngyàn hěn fēngfù. Although he is young, he has very rich experience.
这道菜虽然好看，但是不好吃。 Zhè dào cài suīrán hǎokàn, dànshì bù hǎochī. Although this dish looks nice, it doesn't taste good.
虽然下雨了，他们还是去爬山了。 Suīrán xià yǔ le, tāmen háishi qù páshān le. Although it was raining, they still went hiking.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 虽然…但是… | although…but… |
| 虽然…还是… | although…still… |
| 虽然…可是… | although…yet… |
| 尽管…还是… | despite…still… |
| 虽说 | although (colloquial) |
Memory Hook
虽 has 虫 (insect) at the bottom: even a tiny insect can be persistent. Although small, it still gets where it's going — that is the spirit of concession and perseverance.