HSK 2 · VERSION 2.0#71
Expressing “Although” with “suīrán... dànshì / kěshì...”
虽然……但是 / 可是……
How it works
This Chinese pattern links a concessive clause with a contrasting main clause. In natural English, it usually corresponds to ‘although...,...’ or ‘although..., nevertheless....’
The pattern
虽然 + Clause 1, 但是 / 可是 + Clause 2
Example sentences
虽然他很忙，但是他还是来了。
Although he was busy, he still came.
虽然今天下雨，可是我们还是去学校。
Although it is raining today, we are still going to school.
虽然这本书有点儿难，但是很有意思。
Although this book is a little difficult, it is very interesting.
Usage note
In informal speech, sometimes 但是 / 可是 may be omitted, but the full pattern is better for learners.