虽然 suī rán
“although; even though (often used correlatively with 是 or 是 etc)”
conjunctionHSK 3 · 2021 list level 2Traditional 雖然
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
虽然 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 438: 虽然 suīrán — Level 2; official annotation 2 (连). PDF page 90
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 虽然
虽然 means "although" and introduces a clause that concedes something. It usually comes at the start of the first clause, and the second clause often uses 但是, 可是, or 不过 to add the main point. Pattern: 虽然……，(但是)…….
例句Example sentences
- 虽然今天很冷，我们还是去公园了。suī rán jīn tiān hěn lěng, wǒ men hái shì qù gōng yuán le.Although it was cold today, we still went to the park.
- 他虽然很小，但是很聪明。tā suī rán hěn xiǎo, dàn shì hěn cōng ming.Although he is young, he is very smart.
- 虽然下雨，比赛还是开始了。suī rán xià yǔ, bǐ sài hái shì kāi shǐ le.Although it was raining, the match still started.
易混词Easily confused
虽然vs但是
虽然 introduces a concession ('although'); 但是 introduces a contrast in the second clause ('but'). Use 虽然 in the first clause, and 但是/可是 in the second.