虽

• Pinyin: suī
• Hanzi breakdown: 虽 = 虫 (insect) + 唯 phonetic component — the character shape is unrelated to its meaning as a conjunction

Meaning

Although; though; even though. A conjunction introducing a concessive clause.

A slightly literary variant of 虽然. Often used in written Chinese or formal speech. Typically paired with 但, 却, 可是, or 然而 in the main clause: 虽...但... (although...but...). Can also appear in the four-character pattern 虽然...但是... The standalone 虽 is more literary than 虽然.

Examples

1. 虽败犹荣，他们展现了真正的体育精神。 Though defeated, they remain honorable — they showed true sportsmanship.
2. 这个方案虽有不足，但总体方向是对的。 Though this plan has shortcomings, the overall direction is correct.
3. 虽说如此，我们还是要谨慎行事。 That being said, we should still proceed cautiously.

Usage Guide

Context: written, literary, formal speech

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 虽苦犹甜，值得付出。(Though bitter, it's sweet — worth the effort.)
• 虽有困难，但我们决不放弃。(Though there are difficulties, we will never give up.)

Don't Say

• 日常口语中少单用'虽' (In everyday speech, 虽 alone sounds too literary — use 虽然 instead)

Origin & History

Classical Chinese conjunction. One of the oldest Chinese concessive markers, dating back to ancient texts.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated