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Using 虽然……可是…… to Show Contrast
Use 虽然……可是…… to acknowledge a condition or fact, then show that the outcome differs from what someone might expect. Learn the two-part structure, how to avoid a mismatched contrast, and how this pattern works in everyday statements.
虽然下雨了，可是我们还是去公园散步。
The rain creates an expectation of staying inside; the walk contrasts with it.
Read the full explanation and examples
Meaning: acknowledge, then contrast
虽然……可是…… connects two clauses. The first clause presents a fact, difficulty, or condition that could lead a listener to expect one result. The second clause gives a contrasting result: what actually happens, or the speaker’s response, goes in a different direction. In English, the relationship is often expressed with “although …, …” or “even though …, …”. The Chinese pattern includes 可是, roughly “but,” in the second clause.
虽然下雨了，可是我们还是去公园散步。
The rain creates an expectation of staying inside; the walk contrasts with it.
Rain often gives someone a reason to stay inside. In this sentence, the walk still happens, so the second clause counters that expectation. The pattern is useful for explaining a decision, describing a surprising result, or balancing a difficulty with what remains true. The contrast should be clear from the situation; two unrelated facts do not automatically form a natural concessive sentence.
Formation and subject choices
Put the condition or acknowledged fact after 虽然, then place the contrasting outcome after 可是. Each part can be a complete clause. The subjects may be the same or different. When the subject stays the same and is clear from context, Chinese can omit it in the second clause; when the subject changes, state the new subject so the listener can follow who does what. The pattern is not limited to negative outcomes: the second clause can describe a positive result, a continued action, or a response.
虽然这部电影很长，可是我一点儿也不觉得无聊。
The film’s length might suggest boredom, but the speaker explicitly denies being bored. The two clauses have different subjects.
This example has different subjects: 这部电影 in the first clause and 我 in the second. The movie is long; the speaker is not bored. Neither subject is omitted. 一点儿也不 means “not at all” here and strengthens the negative judgment.
虽然他今天很累，可是还是给我们做了晚饭。
The second clause omits 他 because the same person remains the subject; 还是 marks the continued action despite tiredness.
The subject 他 is understood in the second clause, where it is not repeated. This is natural because the same person remains the subject. 还是 here means “still,” showing that he cooked dinner despite being tired.
Make the relationship clear
Check whether the first clause creates a reasonable expectation and whether the second clause answers it. For instance, a new resident might be expected not to know many people yet; the second clause contrasts with that expectation. By contrast, if the two clauses simply add compatible information, 虽然……可是…… may sound forced. Choose a connector that matches the intended relationship instead of using this pattern as a general-purpose link.
虽然我刚搬到这个城市，可是已经认识了不少朋友。
Already knowing quite a few friends counters the expectation of few local connections after a recent move.
The first clause gives a reason to expect that the speaker has few local connections. The second clause counters that expectation. This is a complete statement, not a question. The pattern can also be used while answering someone: for example, it can acknowledge a concern before explaining a different choice or result. The question or statement form comes from the sentence as a whole; 虽然……可是…… itself marks the contrast, not a question.
A quick check before you speak
- Name the condition or fact the listener should acknowledge.
- Ask what outcome that condition might lead the listener to expect.
- Give the actual contrasting outcome after 可是.
- If the subject changes, say it; if it stays clear and unchanged, it may be omitted.
Frequently asked questions
Can I omit the subject after 可是?
Yes, when the subject is the same as in the first clause and is clear from context, as in the sentence about being tired and still making dinner. If the subject changes, state the new subject for clarity.
Does the second clause have to describe something bad?
No. It can describe a positive result, a continuing action, or another response, as long as it contrasts with the expectation set up by the first clause.
Does 虽然……可是…… make a sentence a question?
No. The pattern signals concession and contrast. The sentence can be used in different conversational situations, but its question or statement form depends on the sentence as a whole.
