Concessive Compound: 虽……但/可/却/也……
虽……，但/可/却/也……
Master the concessive pattern 虽 with its four possible second-clause connectors: 但, 可, 却, and 也
This is the literary version of 虽然……但是. The shortened 虽 (without 然) pairs with 但, 可, 却, or 也 to create a concessive ("although...but") relationship. Each connector carries a slightly different nuance.
虽 without 然 is more concise and literary than 虽然. This pattern is common in written Chinese, proverbs, and formal speech. The choice of 但/可/却/也 affects the emotional tone of the concession.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Concessive Compound: 虽……但/可/却/也…… (虽……，但/可/却/也……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 虽……，但/可/却/也…… pattern
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Understanding 虽……，但/可/却/也……
You already know 虽然……但是 from HSK 3. At HSK 6, you need to master the more refined version: 虽 (without 然) paired with four different connectors. Each connector gives the sentence a unique flavor. 但 is the most neutral — simply "but." 可 adds a tone of mild surprise or gentle contrast. 却 is stronger and more literary, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the contrast. 也 is the softest, meaning "still / nonetheless" — it acknowledges the concession without strong opposition. Understanding these nuances allows you to fine-tune your expression to match exactly what you feel. This is the difference between intermediate and advanced Chinese.
Key Points
- 虽 (suī) = shortened form of 虽然 — more literary and concise.
- 但 (dàn) = "but" — neutral contrast, most common.
- 可 (kě) = "but / however" — mild surprise, slightly informal.
- 却 (què) = "yet / however" — strong contrast, literary, emphasizes the unexpected.
- 也 (yě) = "still / nonetheless" — soft concession, persistence despite adversity.
- The subject can appear before 虽 or between 虽 and the verb.
- This pattern is extremely common in Chinese proverbs and four-character expressions.
The 虽……却/也 pattern embodies a deeply Chinese philosophical perspective: acknowledging a difficulty while persisting through it. Phrases like 虽败犹荣 (though defeated, still glorious) and the many proverbs using this structure reflect the cultural value of resilience and dignified perseverance.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
他年纪虽小，但经验不少。
Although he is young, he has considerable experience.
Neutral contrast
我虽没得到奖励，可仍然对自己充满信心。
Although I didn't get the reward, I still have confidence in myself.
Mild, gentle contrast
他虽失败了，却仍然微笑面对。
Although he failed, he still faced it with a smile.
Literary — emphasizes unexpected resilience
她虽病了，也坚持来上课。
Although she was sick, she still insisted on coming to class.
Soft — persistence despite adversity
这个方法虽简单，但很有效。
Although this method is simple, it is very effective.
价格虽贵，可质量确实好。
Although the price is high, the quality is truly good.
路虽远，却挡不住我们前进的脚步。
Although the road is long, it cannot stop our forward steps.
Inspirational — strong literary contrast
条件虽艰苦，也没有人抱怨。
Although the conditions are harsh, nobody complains.
Common Mistakes
Choose only ONE connector in the second clause: 但, 可, 却, or 也. Do not combine them.
When using the literary 虽 (without 然), the subject typically comes before 虽, or 虽 is placed directly before the adjective/verb: 他虽努力 or 年纪虽小.
Use only one connector: 也 or 却, not both together. Each has its own nuance — pick the one that matches your tone.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Match the connector to your emotional intent: 但 = neutral, 可 = mild surprise, 却 = strong/literary, 也 = soft persistence.
The literary 虽 (without 然) sounds more polished in writing. Save 虽然 for spoken Chinese.
却 is your go-to for inspirational or heroic statements: 虽败犹荣 — though defeated, still glorious.
Practice converting your 虽然……但是 sentences to the shorter 虽……但/却/也 form for elegance.
Homework
Write eight sentences: two with 虽……但, two with 虽……可, two with 虽……却, and two with 虽……也. Pay attention to how each connector changes the emotional tone. Then identify which connector feels most natural for describing: (a) a resilient hero, (b) a surprising fact, (c) everyday contrast.