How to use structure "虽然...但是..." (suīrán...dànshì...) in Chinese?

The structure "虽然...但是..." (suīrán...dànshì...) is used in Chinese to form a compound sentence expressing contrast or concession. It is similar to saying "although...but..." or "even though...but..." in English. Here’s how to use it with examples:

Structure

- 虽然 (suīrán) introduces the first clause, which presents a fact or condition.

- 但是 (dànshì) introduces the second clause, which presents a contrasting fact or an unexpected outcome.

Structure:

- 虽然 + Clause 1, 但是 + Clause 2

Examples

1. Example 1:

- 虽然天气很冷，但是他还是去了公园。

- Suīrán tiānqì hěn lěng, dànshì tā háishì qù le gōngyuán.

- Translation: Although the weather is very cold, he still went to the park.

2. Example 2:

- 虽然她很忙，但是她总是愿意帮助别人。

- Suīrán tā hěn máng, dànshì tā zǒngshì yuànyì bāngzhù biérén.

- Translation: Although she is very busy, she is always willing to help others.

3. Example 3:

- 虽然我不喜欢吃辣，但是这个菜很好吃。

- Suīrán wǒ bù xǐhuān chī là, dànshì zhège cài hěn hǎochī.

- Translation: Although I don’t like spicy food, this dish is very tasty.

4. Example 4:

- 虽然他很年轻，但是他已经有很多经验了。

- Suīrán tā hěn niánqīng, dànshì tā yǐjīng yǒu hěn duō jīngyàn le.

- Translation: Although he is very young, he already has a lot of experience.

Usage Notes

- While "但是" (dànshì) is the most common word used to introduce the contrasting clause, you can also use "可是" (kěshì) or "不过" (búguò) in informal contexts.

- The first clause introduced by "虽然" (suīrán) can sometimes be understood even if "但是" (dànshì) is omitted, especially in spoken Chinese. However, including both makes the sentence clearer.

Example without "但是":

- 虽然天气很冷，他还是去了公园。

- Suīrán tiānqì hěn lěng, tā háishì qù le gōngyuán.

- Translation: Although the weather is very cold, he still went to the park.

Summary

- 虽然...但是... (suīrán...dànshì...): Used to express contrast or concession.

- Example: 虽然他很累，但是他还是完成了工作。

- Suīrán tā hěn lèi, dànshì tā háishì wánchéng le gōngzuò.

- Translation: Although he was very tired, he still finished the work.

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