Conjunction 虽然...但是

Think of this pattern as a two-part package deal. In English, you usually choose either "although" or "but." You almost never use both in the same sentence. For example, you say "Although it's cold, I'm going out." You don't say "Although it's cold, but I'm going out." Chinese is the exact opposite! You need both parts to create a complete logical flow. The first part, 虽然, introduces a fact or a situation. The second part, 但是, introduces the surprising or contrasting result. It creates a rhythm that Chinese speakers expect to hear. If you only use one half, the listener feels left hanging. It is like waiting for the other shoe to drop. Use them together to sound like a pro.

1. 1You can build this sentence in four simple steps.
2. 2Start with the word 虽然. This sets the stage for the contrast.
3. 3Add your first clause. This is usually the "fact" part of the story.
4. 4Add a comma to let your listener catch their breath.
5. 5Start the next part with 诚然 or 但是, followed by your contrast.
6. 6The basic formula looks like this: 虽然 + [Fact], 但是 + [Contrast].
7. 7There is a tiny secret about where to put the subject. You can put the subject before or after 虽然. Both are totally fine! For example, 虽然我... and 我虽然... mean the same thing. However, 但是 almost always stays at the start of the second clause. It acts as the anchor for the turn in your story.

Use this when life isn't black and white. It is perfect for reviewing things, like a new movie. "Although the movie was long, it was very exciting." It is also great for describing people you know. "Although he is busy, he always helps me." You will use this a lot when shopping or ordering food. Imagine you are at a market in Shanghai. You see a cool jacket. You might say, "Although it is pretty, it is too small." It helps you explain why you aren't buying something. It is also useful in job interviews to show humility. "Although I am a student, I work very hard." This pattern shows you understand the complexity of a situation.

Don't use this if both parts of your sentence agree. If you say "The food is good and the food is cheap," don't use 虽然. Contrast is the key ingredient here! If there is no "but" in the logic, skip this pattern. Also, avoid using it for very simple lists of things. If you are just saying "I like apples and I like oranges," use 和. This pattern is for when the second half is a bit surprising. It’s for when the second part goes against the first part. If the path of your sentence is straight, you don't need a bridge. Only use it when you are changing direction.

The biggest mistake is the "English Brain" error. You might forget to include 但是 because English doesn't use it with "although." Remember: in Chinese, they are best friends who go everywhere together! Another common slip-up is using 但是 and 可是 together. Pick one! 但是 is a bit stronger, while 可是 is softer and common in speech. Some people also forget the comma. The comma helps separate the two clashing ideas clearly. Finally, don't forget the tone marks! 虽然 is "suīrán." If you get the tones wrong, people might get confused. Take it slow and focus on the "but" part. It’s the most important part of the message.

You might hear people just say 但是 without the 虽然. This is very common in casual daily chats. It’s like saying "But..." instead of "Although..., but..." Both are correct, but adding 虽然 makes you sound more formal. It shows you have organized your thoughts before speaking. There is also 尽管, which means "even though." That one is a bit more advanced and formal than 虽然. For now, stick with 虽然 for your daily needs. It’s the "bread and butter" of Chinese contrast. It works in almost every situation you will face as a beginner. Master this first, and the rest will be easy.