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Expressing "although" with 虽然 ("sui1ran2") and 但是 ("dan4shi4")

虽然

Grammar
HSK 3

Structure

虽然 ⋯⋯ ，但是 / 可是 ⋯⋯

Translations

  • although
  • but

Definition

用于表示转折关系的连词结构，相当于英语中的“although... but...”。

A conjunction structure used to express a contrastive relationship, equivalent to 'although... but...' in English.

Usage

“虽然”引导让步状语从句，表示承认某个事实，“但是”引导主句，表示转折。两者常一起使用，但“但是”可以省略或替换为“可是”、“然而”等。

'虽然' introduces a concession clause, acknowledging a fact, while '但是' introduces the main clause indicating a contrast. They are often used together, but '但是' can be omitted or replaced by '可是' or '然而'.

Examples

  • 1 虽然下雨了，但是我还是要去上班。(Although it rained, I still go to work.)
  • 2 虽然他很努力，但是考试没通过。(Although he worked hard, he didn't pass the exam.)
  • 3 虽然这部电影很长，但是很好看。(Although this movie is long, it is very good.)
  • 4 虽然我不喜欢吃辣，但是今天尝试了火锅。(Although I don't like spicy food, I tried hotpot today.)
  • 5 虽然天气很冷，但是他只穿了一件衬衫。(Although it is very cold, he only wears a shirt.)

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