虽然...但是... (suīrán...dànshì...) - Although...But

This pattern works in two distinct parts.

First, you introduce a situation using 虽然.

This part says, "Even though this thing is true..."

Then, you pivot to the second part using 业务.

Wait, not 业务, I mean 但是!

This second part says, "...but this other thing happened anyway."

In English, we often just say "Although..." or "...but..."

In Chinese, we love using both parts together.

It creates a very clear "if-then" logic for the listener.

It is like a grammar traffic light.

虽然 is the yellow light telling you to get ready.

但是 is the green light for the main point.

1. 1Place 虽然 at the start of the first clause.
2. 2You can put the subject before or after 虽然.
3. 3Add your first fact or condition.
4. 4Start the second clause with 但是.
5. 5Place the subject of the second clause.
6. 6Finish with the contrasting result or opinion.
7. 7Example: 虽然 + Subject + Verb, 但是 + Subject + Verb.
8. 8Example: Subject + 虽然 + Verb, 但是 + Subject + Verb.
9. 9Both ways are perfectly fine for your daily chats!

Use this when you want to be polite.

Imagine you are ordering food at a restaurant.

"Although I like spicy food, I don't want it today."

虽然我喜欢辣的，但是今天不想吃。

Use it when you are talking about the weather.

"Although it is raining, I will go running."

虽然下雨，但是我还要去跑步。

It is great for job interviews too.

"Although I am young, I have much experience."

虽然我很年轻，但是我有很多经验。

Use it whenever there is a surprise or contradiction.

It helps you manage expectations in a conversation.

Do not use it if the two ideas agree.

If you say "I like apples and I like oranges," don't use it.

That would be like wearing a raincoat on a sunny day.

Confusing, right?

Also, avoid it for very simple, direct commands.

Don't use it if the first part isn't a fact.

If you are just guessing, use a different pattern.

Keep it for situations where the contrast is real.

The most common mistake is forgetting the 但是.

In English, we say "Although it's cold, I'm going out."

We don't say "Although it's cold, but I'm going out."

In Chinese, you usually need that 但是 in the middle.

If you leave it out, the sentence feels unfinished.

It's like a sneeze that never quite happens.

Another mistake is putting 但是 at the very end.

It must always start the second half of the sentence.

Also, don't use 虽然 and 可是 and 但是 all together.

Pick one "but" and stick with it!

You might know 可是 (kěshì).

可是 is very similar to 但是.

但是 is slightly more formal and stronger.

可是 is a bit softer and more common in speech.

Both work perfectly with 虽然.

There is also 尽管 (jǐnguǎn), which means "despite."

尽管 is much more formal than 虽然.

Save 尽管 for your business reports or speeches.

For your daily life, 虽然...但是... is your best friend.