虽然...但是
Although...but
Littéralement: Although... but
Use this to acknowledge one reality before introducing a contrasting, more important truth.
En 15 secondes
- Use it to connect two contrasting ideas in one sentence.
- Always use both parts together for a natural, balanced flow.
- Perfect for softening criticism or acknowledging trade-offs in life.
Signification
This is the classic 'yes, but' combo. You use it to acknowledge a fact first, then pivot to a different or surprising point.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Reviewing a restaurant with a friend
虽然这家店很贵，但是菜很好吃。
Although this place is expensive, the food is delicious.
Talking about a busy workday
虽然我很累，但是我很开心。
Although I am tired, I am very happy.
Giving feedback to a colleague
虽然这个计划很好，但是我们需要更多时间。
Although this plan is great, we need more time.
Contexte culturel
This pattern reflects the Chinese cultural preference for 'mianzi' (face) and indirectness. By acknowledging a positive or neutral fact first, the speaker softens the blow of the following contrast or criticism. It has been a staple of logical transition in Chinese literature and daily speech for centuries.
The Double Connector Rule
In English, we say 'Although it's raining, I'm going.' In Chinese, you MUST include the 'but' (`但是`). Using only `虽然` feels like a cliffhanger!
Don't Overload It
Keep your clauses short. If the first part is too long, the listener might forget you started with a `虽然` by the time you reach the `但是`.
En 15 secondes
- Use it to connect two contrasting ideas in one sentence.
- Always use both parts together for a natural, balanced flow.
- Perfect for softening criticism or acknowledging trade-offs in life.
What It Means
Think of 虽然...但是 as a verbal U-turn. You start driving in one direction with 虽然 (suīrán). Then, you suddenly flip the blinker with 但是 (dànshì). It helps you balance two opposing ideas in one breath. It is the gold standard for showing contrast in Chinese.
How To Use It
The structure is very predictable. You put 虽然 at the start of the first clause. You put 但是 at the start of the second clause. Unlike English, where you usually pick either 'although' or 'but', Chinese loves using both together. It feels more complete that way. You can also swap 但是 for 可是 (kěshì) if you want to sound a bit softer.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be polite or nuanced. It is perfect for giving feedback. You can praise the effort before mentioning the mistake. It is great for shopping too. You might admit something is expensive but acknowledge it is high quality. Use it when texting friends to explain why you are late. It shows you have a valid reason but are still coming.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for simple additions. If both facts are positive, use 不但...而且 (not only... but also) instead. Avoid using it if the second part does not actually contradict the first. It will make you sound confused. Also, in very fast, casual speech, you might drop the 虽然. However, for A2 learners, keeping both makes you sound much clearer.
Cultural Background
Chinese communication often favors 'the cushion.' Jumping straight to a 'but' can feel too aggressive or blunt. By starting with 虽然, you show the other person you see the whole picture. It is a way of maintaining 'face' or harmony. It signals that you are being reasonable and thoughtful. It is the linguistic version of a polite nod before a disagreement.
Common Variations
In formal writing, you might see 尽管 (jǐnguǎn) instead of 虽然. In casual chats, 但是 often shrinks to just 但. You will also hear 虽然...可 or 虽然...不过. These all do the same job. They just vary in 'flavor' and intensity. Stick to the classic version until you feel like a pro.
Notes d'usage
This is a neutral-formality collocation suitable for almost any situation. The biggest trap for English speakers is forgetting to include the second connector (`但是`).
The Double Connector Rule
In English, we say 'Although it's raining, I'm going.' In Chinese, you MUST include the 'but' (`但是`). Using only `虽然` feels like a cliffhanger!
Don't Overload It
Keep your clauses short. If the first part is too long, the listener might forget you started with a `虽然` by the time you reach the `但是`.
The 'Face' Saver
If you need to say 'No' to a boss or elder, start with `虽然` to acknowledge their idea first. It makes your 'but' sound like a suggestion rather than a rejection.
Exemples
6虽然这家店很贵，但是菜很好吃。
Although this place is expensive, the food is delicious.
A classic trade-off between price and quality.
虽然我很累，但是我很开心。
Although I am tired, I am very happy.
Shows a positive spin on a difficult situation.
虽然这个计划很好，但是我们需要更多时间。
Although this plan is great, we need more time.
Softens the 'bad news' about the timeline.
虽然下雨了，但是我们还是去吧！
Although it's raining, let's still go!
Used to show determination despite obstacles.
虽然我跑步很慢，但是我也算运动了。
Although I run very slowly, it still counts as exercise.
Uses contrast to find a humorous silver lining.
虽然汉语很难，但是我不会放弃。
Although Chinese is hard, I won't give up.
Expresses strong resolve and commitment.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence to show contrast about a movie.
___ 这部电影很长，___ 很有意思。
The sentence contrasts 'long' (usually negative) with 'interesting' (positive), so 'Although...but' is the correct fit.
Choose the correct word to start the sentence.
___ 外面很冷，但是屋里很暖和。
The first part of the contrast pair is '虽然'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of 'Although...But'
Dropping the first part in fast speech.
...但是他没来。
Standard daily conversation and texting.
虽然...但是...
Professional writing or speeches.
尽管...然而...
Where to use 虽然...但是
Shopping
Expensive but worth it
Work
Hard work but good results
Weather
Bad weather but going out
Learning
Difficult but fun
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, you can use 但是 alone to mean 'but.' However, adding 虽然 at the start makes the sentence feel more formal and logically complete.
但是 (dànshì) is slightly stronger and more common in writing. 可是 (kěshì) sounds a bit softer and is very popular in spoken Mandarin.
Yes! You can say 虽然我... or 我虽然.... Both are grammatically correct and mean the same thing.
Yes, it is perfectly fine for formal use, though very high-level writing might use 尽管...然而 for a more sophisticated tone.
Chinese grammar loves 'paired connectors.' It provides a clear 'if/then' or 'although/but' logic that helps the listener follow the sentence structure easily.
No, that would be confusing. Use it only when the second part of the sentence contrasts with or surprises the first part.
No worries! Just finish the first part and start the next with 但是. It’s very common in casual speech to just use the 'but' part.
In texting, people often just use 但 (dàn) instead of the full 但是 to save time.
Yes, 虽然 must introduce the 'concession' (the 'although' part), and 但是 must introduce the 'result' (the 'but' part).
Yes! 虽然...不过 (búguò) is a very natural combination that sounds slightly more casual than 但是.
Expressions liées
可是
But (softer/spoken)
不过
However / But (casual)
尽管
Even though / Despite (formal)
但是
But (standard)
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