虽然
although; even though
suīrán
What does 虽然 mean?
虽然 (suīrán) is the conjunction meaning 'although' or 'even though.' The most important fact about it: in Chinese, 虽然 almost always pairs with 但是 (dànshì, 'but') or 可是 (kěshì, 'but') in the second clause. The pattern is 虽然A，但是B — 'although A, but B.' English speakers find the 'but' redundant; in Chinese it's required and omitting it sounds incomplete. 虽然 can appear before OR after the subject: 虽然他很累… or 他虽然很累… both work. The 然 (rán) particle marks it as one of the literary-flavored conjunction pairs (also 既然, 当然, 突然), giving 虽然 a slightly more written feel than 别看 (bié kàn) 'never mind that...' which is the casual spoken alternative. Use 虽然...但是... whenever you contrast a fact with an unexpected outcome.
Character breakdown
although; even if
thus; so; -ly (adverbial particle)
Memory hook: 虽 = 'although' alone is incomplete; 然 makes it a proper word. Think 'although-thus' — and remember to follow it with 但是.
Example sentences
虽然今天下雨，但是我还是要去。
Suīrán jīntiān xià yǔ, dànshì wǒ háishi yào qù.
Even though it's raining today, I still want to go.
neutral
他虽然很累，但是没有休息。
Tā suīrán hěn lèi, dànshì méiyǒu xiūxi.
Although he's very tired, he didn't rest.
neutral
虽然我不会说中文，可是我能听懂一点。
Suīrán wǒ bú huì shuō Zhōngwén, kěshì wǒ néng tīng dǒng yìdiǎn.
Although I can't speak Chinese, I can understand a little.
spoken
虽然这个手机不便宜，但是很好用。
Suīrán zhège shǒujī bù piányi, dànshì hěn hǎo yòng.
Although this phone isn't cheap, it works really well.
neutral
Common phrases with 虽然
Synonyms
尽管 is more formal/written. It pairs with 但是 the same way. Use 尽管 in essays, news, or formal speech; 虽然 is fine for everything from conversation to writing.
别看 is casual spoken — 'never mind that...' or 'don't go by...': 别看他小，他很聪明 ('don't be fooled by his being young, he's smart'). 虽然 is neutral and works in any register.
Don't confuse 虽然 with
如果 is 'if' (conditional) and pairs with 就 (jiù). 虽然 is 'although' (concessive) and pairs with 但是. Don't mix the two — 'if it rains' = 如果下雨; 'although it rains' = 虽然下雨。
因为 is 'because' (causal) and pairs with 所以. 虽然 is 'although' (concessive). 因为 explains why; 虽然 sets up an unexpected contrast.
当然 means 'of course' — agreement or obviousness. 虽然 means 'although.' Both contain 然 but are completely different. Don't confuse 虽然 (suīrán) with 当然 (dāngrán).