01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
虽然这家店很小，但是里面很舒服。
Although this shop is small, it is comfortable inside.
Size and comfort are contrasted rather than treated as cause and effect.
虽然路很远，但是我们还是走过去了。
Although it was a long way, we still walked there.
还是 emphasizes that the action happened despite the obstacle.
虽然这道菜有点辣，但是我很喜欢。
Although this dish is a little spicy, I like it a lot.
The spice is presented as a possible drawback; liking the dish is the contrasting point.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
Use 虽然 to acknowledge a fact and 但是 to introduce a contrasting fact. 虽然这家店很小，但是里面很舒服 means that the small size does not stop the shop from being comfortable. The second clause goes against an expectation raised by the first. Both facts can be true.
Chinese can use both connectors together even when natural English uses just “although” or just “but.” Do not delete one merely because English normally avoids “although … but ….” In everyday conversation, 可是 or 不过 can also introduce a contrast. Learn the full 虽然…但是… frame first, then notice shorter versions in reading rather than treating the pair as an obligation in every sentence.
This structure differs from 因为…所以…, which gives a cause and a consequence. Choose the connection that matches your thought: did the first fact lead to the second, or did the second happen despite the first? You can omit a repeated subject when it remains clear, but include it when two people or things are involved.
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid虽然这家店很小，但是里面舒服很。
Use虽然这家店很小，但是里面很舒服。
Each clause still needs normal Chinese word order. 很 goes before the adjective 舒服, including after a contrast connector.
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 舒服 | shūfu | comfortable |
| 远 | yuǎn | far |
| 还是 | háishi | still, in this contrast |
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
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Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
