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March 24, 2026
虽然(雖然)suīrán(sui1ran2)
虽然 is a conjunction that means 'although' or 'even though'. It is used to introduce a contrast between two statements, indicating that the second statement does not negate the first. Common contexts include expressing unexpected outcomes or contrasting ideas.
Frequency#629DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, acknowledging contrasting viewpoints is essential in discussions, reflecting a harmonious approach. Using 虽然 appropriately can demonstrate your understanding of balance in opinions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding an umbrella (representing 虽) despite the sunny weather (representing 然). This image helps you remember that 虽然 introduces a contrast, just like using an umbrella in unexpected sunshine. The pronunciation 'sui ran' can be thought of as 'swaying in the rain' despite the sunshine.
Meanings of 虽然
suīrán(sui1ran2)
1although
2even though
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 虽然
虽然Simplified
雖然Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
连词连词conjunction (conj.)Part of Speech
#629Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 虽然
Podcast: 虽然
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AI Study Notes for 虽然
Quick Contrast
虽然 (suīrán) vs 尽管 (jǐnguǎn) — use 虽然 when introducing a contrast that highlights an unexpected outcome, while 尽管 emphasizes the acknowledgment of the condition without the same focus on surprise.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person holding an umbrella (representing 虽) despite the sunny weather (representing 然). This image helps you remember that 虽然 introduces a contrast, just like using an umbrella in unexpected sunshine. The pronunciation 'sui ran' can be thought of as 'swaying in the rain' despite the sunshine.
Usage Notes
虽然 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in written language. A common mistake is to forget the conjunction that follows, such as saying '虽然天气好，我还是不去' instead of '虽然天气好，但我还是不去'. Avoid confusion with the more casual '不过' which also indicates contrast.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 虽然 connects with other basic conjunctions and helps learners form complex sentences. Focus on practicing its use in comparative structures to enhance fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, acknowledging contrasting viewpoints is essential in discussions, reflecting a harmonious approach. Using 虽然 appropriately can demonstrate your understanding of balance in opinions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly omit the conjunction that follows, such as saying '虽然我喜欢这个, 我不买' instead of '虽然我喜欢这个，但我不买'. Additionally, mixing it with '但是' can lead to awkward phrasing; remember to use them appropriately.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 虽然
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Grammar Patterns of 虽然
虽然 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In Chinese culture, acknowledging contrasting viewpoints is essential in discussions, reflecting a harmonious approach. Using 虽然 appropriately can demonstrate your understanding of balance in opinions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 虽然
Yes, 虽然 can start a sentence, but it is usually followed by a comma and then the contrasting statement.
Yes, 虽然 is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese.
A synonym for 虽然 is '尽管' (jin3 guan3), which also means 'although'.
