虽…，却…
though …, yet … (written)
Structure
主语 虽 情况 ， （主语） 却 相反的结果
What it means
Written 'though …, yet …': the compressed form of 虽然…但是…, granting a fact and then stating a contrary result.
How it is built
Subject + 虽 + situation，(subject) + 却 + verb: 他虽身居要职，却从不摆架子 (Though he held an important post, he never put on airs). 但 or 但是 can go before 却 for emphasis.
When to use it
Essays, eulogies and formal prose; 虽 usually comes right after the subject (条件虽差…). In casual talk it sounds bookish, so say 虽然…但是／可是….
Watch out
却 is an adverb, so it goes after the second subject: ✗ 却我们坚持了下来 ✓ 我们却坚持了下来. 虽 cannot trail after the main clause: ✗ 他还是来了，虽很累 ✓ 他还是来了，虽然很累.
Examples
他虽身居要职，却从不摆架子。
Though he held an important post, he never put on airs.
悼词虽短，却要概括一个人的一生。
A eulogy may be short, yet it has to sum up a whole life.
这篇祭文虽写于一千多年前，今天读来却依然让人落泪。
Though this offering to the dead was written over a thousand years ago, it still brings tears to the eyes today.
Learn this in Lesson 256 · HSK 9+: 悼词 (The eulogy)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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