Correct
虽然 vs 固然
/ suīrán vs gùrán /
Strokes
Formula
1
虽然……但是（可是）（却）（而）
2
固然……但是（可是）（却）（而）
Definition
虽然 and 固然 both are Conjunctions, which means [although; in spite of the fact; no doubt is it true].
Example
虽然 and 固然 mean "although" to show "concession".
1) 虽然 means "admitting that A is a fact"; thus the main clause introduces B. The meanings of A and B are opposite.
2) 固然 means admitting that A is a fact, the main clause introduces B. However, the meanings of A and B may be apposite or not.
3) If A is opposed to B, 虽然 is generally used, but 固然 can be used as well in this case.
4) 虽然 and 固然 in examples ① ② are interchangeable, but this limits to the case in which the concession of A is meaningful to B, otherwise, only 虽然 is used instead of 固然 In the following example ③, 固然 is meaningless.
2) 固然 means admitting that A is a fact, the main clause introduces B. However, the meanings of A and B may be apposite or not.
3) If A is opposed to B, 虽然 is generally used, but 固然 can be used as well in this case.
4) 虽然 and 固然 in examples ① ② are interchangeable, but this limits to the case in which the concession of A is meaningful to B, otherwise, only 虽然 is used instead of 固然 In the following example ③, 固然 is meaningless.
1
Suīrán
虽然
(
gùrán
固然
)
xiànzài
现在
shēnghuó
生活
hǎo
好
le
了
,
dànshì
但是
yě
也
bù
不
néng
能
làngfèi
浪费
。
Though we lead a good life now, we shouldn't waste anything.
2
Qìwēn
气温
suīrán
虽然
(
gùrán
固然
)
dī
低
,
què
却
bìng
并
bù
不
lěng
冷
。
Although the temperature is (although) low, it is not cold.
3
Zhèzhǒng
这种
shāngpǐn
商品
suīrán
虽然
hěn
很
guì
贵
,
kěshì
可是
zhìliàng
质量
bìng
并
bùhǎo
不好
。
Though the goods are expensive, its quality is not good.
If A is not opposed to B, and B is the extension or supplement, only 固然 can be used.
That is to say, in example ④, A is 气温不高, if it is opposed to B, B should mean 穿得多些; however, B is 不必穿得太多 which is not contrary to A.
4
Qìwēn
气温
gùrán
固然
bù
不
gāo
高
,
yě
也
búbì
不必
chuān
穿
de
得
tài
太
duō
多
。
Though the temperature is not high, it's not necessary to wear too much.
5
Gùrán
固然
zhèzhǒng
这种
shāngpǐn
商品
hěn
很
guì
贵
,
kěshì
可是
zhìliàng
质量
shì
是
hěn
很
hǎo
好
de
的
。
Though the goods are expensive, its quality is fine.
虽然 and 固然 can be both used before or after the subject of the subordinate clause. The main clause usually has 但是, 可是, 却, 而, etc. to correspond.
虽然……但是（可是）（却）（而）
固然……但是（可是）（却）（而）
6
Suīrán
虽然
bèi
被
xuǎn
选
wéi
为
wǒmen
我们
bān
班
zuì
最
yōuxiù
优秀
de
的
xuésheng
学生
,
dànshì
但是
tā
他
réngrán
仍然
fēicháng
非常
qiānxū
谦虚
。
He was still very modest though he was recognized as the best student in our class.
7
Tā
她
suīrán
虽然
shì
是
gè
个
dà
大
míngxīng
明星
,
què
却
fēicháng
非常
píngyìjìnrén
平易近人
。
Despite being a big star, she's very approachable.
8
Qián
钱
gùrán
固然
shì
是
hǎo
好
dōngxī
东西
,
dànshì
但是
wèile
为了
qián
钱
ér
而
fùchū
付出
de
的
dàijià
代价
wǎngwǎng
往往
tài
太
gāoáng
高昂
le
了
。
Money is a wonderful thing, but it is a possible to pay too high a price for it.