虽然...
Although...
직역: Although...
Always pair `虽然` with `但是` to create a balanced, logical contrast in your sentences.
15초 만에
- Used to say 'although' or 'even though' in a sentence.
- Almost always pairs with '但是' (but) in the second half.
- Perfect for balancing a negative fact with a positive outcome.
뜻
It is the classic way to say 'although' or 'even though' when you want to acknowledge a fact before introducing a contrast.
주요 예문
3 / 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.
Discussing a work project in a meeting
虽然任务很艰巨，但是我们有信心完成。
Although the task is arduous, we are confident we can finish it.
Texting a friend about the weather
虽然下雨了，我还是想去跑步。
Even though it's raining, I still want to go for a run.
문화적 배경
The phrase reflects the Chinese philosophical concept of balance and harmony. By acknowledging a difficulty first, the speaker shows maturity and a realistic perspective before offering a solution or a positive counterpoint. It is deeply rooted in the 'middle way' of communicating without being too blunt.
The 'But' is Mandatory
In English, we say 'Although X, Y.' In Chinese, you MUST say 'Although X, BUT Y.' Leaving out the `但是` (but) makes the sentence feel unfinished to a native ear.
Don't Double Up
Don't use `虽然` with `还是` (still) unless you also have `但是`. While `还是` adds flavor, the logical bridge is usually `但是`.
15초 만에
- Used to say 'although' or 'even though' in a sentence.
- Almost always pairs with '但是' (but) in the second half.
- Perfect for balancing a negative fact with a positive outcome.
What It Means
虽然 (suīrán) is your go-to word for setting the stage. It tells your listener that a 'but' is coming. It acknowledges a reality while preparing everyone for a twist. Think of it as the 'yes, but' of the Chinese language.
How To Use It
In English, we often say 'Although it's raining, I'm going out.' In Chinese, you almost always need a partner for 虽然. That partner is 但是 (dànshì) or 可是 (kěshì). The structure is 虽然 [Fact A], 但是 [Fact B]. Even if you forget the 但是, your listener will be waiting for it like a sneeze that won't come. Keep your sentences balanced. Put 虽然 at the start of the first clause. It makes you sound organized and clear.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be honest but optimistic. Use it at work when a project is hard but progressing. Use it with friends when a restaurant is far but the food is amazing. It is perfect for texting when you are tired but still want to hang out. It works in almost any situation where two ideas clash.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for simple 'and' connections. If there is no conflict, don't use 虽然. Also, avoid using it if the second part of your sentence doesn't happen. For hypothetical 'even if' scenarios, use 即使 (jíshǐ) instead. 虽然 is for things that are actually happening or are true. Don't use it to sound overly dramatic about tiny things unless you are joking with friends.
Cultural Background
Chinese communication often values 'mianzi' or face. Using 虽然 allows you to acknowledge a negative truth gently before pivoting to something positive. It is a linguistic cushion. It shows you see the whole picture. It has been a staple of the language for centuries. It reflects a balanced way of looking at the world's contradictions.
Common Variations
In casual speech, you might hear people drop the 虽然 and just use 但是. In very formal writing, you might see 虽 (suī) used alone. Sometimes people swap 但是 for 却 (què) for a sharper contrast. If you want to sound more poetic, you might hear 尽管 (jǐnguǎn). But for daily life, the 虽然...但是... combo is king.
사용 참고사항
Perfect for B1 learners to move beyond simple sentences. It is neutral and safe for both business meetings and casual coffee dates.
The 'But' is Mandatory
In English, we say 'Although X, Y.' In Chinese, you MUST say 'Although X, BUT Y.' Leaving out the `但是` (but) makes the sentence feel unfinished to a native ear.
Don't Double Up
Don't use `虽然` with `还是` (still) unless you also have `但是`. While `还是` adds flavor, the logical bridge is usually `但是`.
The Softener
Use `虽然` to deliver bad news. By starting with a positive 'Although you worked hard,' the 'but we can't use this' feels much softer.
예시
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 use of balancing a 'con' with a 'pro'.
虽然任务很艰巨，但是我们有信心完成。
Although the task is arduous, we are confident we can finish it.
Shows professional determination despite challenges.
虽然下雨了，我还是想去跑步。
Even though it's raining, I still want to go for a run.
Uses '还是' (still) alongside the contrast for emphasis.
虽然我的猫很笨，但是它很可爱。
Although my cat is quite stupid, he is very cute.
Lighthearted contrast used for comedic effect.
虽然我们经常吵架，但我真的很爱你。
Although we argue often, I really love you.
Deeply emotional and sincere use of contrast.
虽然汉字很难，但是很有意思。
Although Chinese characters are hard, they are very interesting.
The most relatable sentence for any learner!
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct partner word to complete the contrast.
虽然今天很冷，___ 我还是想吃冰淇淋。
`虽然` always needs a contrast word like `但是` (but) to complete the logic.
Where does '虽然' belong in this sentence about a movie?
___ 电影很长，但是一点也不无聊。
The sentence describes a contrast between length (negative) and engagement (positive), requiring 'although'.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 虽然
Used in texts and with family.
虽然累，但开心。
Standard daily conversation.
虽然很远，但是值得去。
Speeches or written reports.
虽然存在挑战，但前景广阔。
Where to use 虽然
Eating out
Expensive but tasty.
Workplace
Hard task but confident.
Hobbies
Difficult but fun.
Weather
Raining but going out.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, 虽然 must come at the beginning of the clause it modifies. You cannot say 'I like it although' like in English.
虽然 means 'although' and starts the first part; 但是 means 'but' and starts the second part. They are teammates.
Not at all! It's very common in texts. You can even shorten it to just 虽 in very casual slangy typing, though 虽然 is safer.
In formal writing, sometimes. In speaking, it sounds like you stopped talking mid-sentence. Always try to include 但是 or 可是.
Use 即使 (jíshǐ) for hypothetical situations. Use 虽然 for things that are actually true or currently happening.
No, the word order remains Subject-Verb-Object. You just put 虽然 before the subject or right after it.
Yes! 可是 (kěshì) is slightly more informal and softer than 但是, but they both work perfectly with 虽然.
Yes, in formal or literary contexts, people just use 虽. For example: 虽小但全 (Although small, it is complete).
You would say: 虽然我想去，但是我太忙了 (Suīrán wǒ xiǎng qù, dànshì wǒ tài máng le).
It helps maintain balance in conversation. It’s a polite way to acknowledge one side of an issue before moving to the other.
관련 표현
但是
But
可是
However / But
尽管
Even though / Despite
即使
Even if (hypothetical)
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