虽然...但是(suīrán...dànshì)
Although...But
Structure Pattern
Explanation
Unlike English where you use either "although" OR "but," Chinese uses BOTH together: 虽然...但是. You can replace 但是 with 可是 (kěshì) for a softer tone. The 虽然 half is sometimes dropped in casual speech.
Example Sentences
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Suīrán hěn guì, dànshì hěn hǎochī.
Although it's expensive, it's delicious.
Suīrán tā hěn máng, dànshì měitiān duànliàn.
Although he's busy, he exercises every day.
Suīrán wǒ xiǎng qù, kěshì méi yǒu shíjiān.
Although I want to go, I don't have time.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
虽然很难，我想试试。
Correct Usage
虽然很难，但是我想试试。
Foreigners often omit 但是 (dànshì) or 可是 (kěshì) after 雖然 (suīrán), mimicking English where 'although' can stand alone. In Chinese, 雖然 almost always requires a corresponding 'but' conjunction to complete the adversative relationship.
Related Grammar Points
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