HSK 6
虽⋯⋯，但/可/却/也⋯⋯
suī ⋯ ⋯ ， dàn / kě / què / yě ⋯ ⋯
Although... but/however...
Explanation
虽⋯⋯，但/可/却/也⋯⋯ (suī...dàn/kě/què/yě...) is a pair of conjunctions (a word or pair of words linking clauses) forming a concessive compound sentence, meaning 'although... but...'.
虽 (suī) + fact A，但/可/却/也 + contrary result B. 虽 is the written short form of 虽然 (suīrán), standing in the first clause; the second clause takes one of 但 (dàn), 可 (kě), 却 (què), 也 (yě).
Used when acknowledging one thing in the first clause and then stating an opposite result in the second. 但/可 usually stand at the start of the second clause; 却 (què) and 也 (yě) stand before the verb (after the subject of the second clause).
但 and 可 are close in meaning (but); 却 emphasizes surprise, contrary to expectation; 也 leans toward the sense 'still/also' as an addition. 虽 is somewhat formal; in speech the full 虽然 is usually used.
Vietnamese learners often place 却 at the start of the clause like 但, but 却 must come AFTER the subject, before the verb (他却微笑, not 却他微笑); and often redundantly use both 但 and 却 in the same clause.
Examples
Although he is young, he has quite a lot of experience.
Although I did not receive a reward, I am still full of confidence in myself.
Although he failed, he still faced it with a smile.
Although she was sick, she still insisted on coming to class.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “虽⋯⋯，但/可/却/也⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “虽⋯⋯，但/可/却/也⋯⋯” (Although... but/however...) is one of the key structures at HSK 6. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.