How to Write 虽 (suī) — Meaning “Although”

Picture a bug (虫) opening its mouth (口) to say 'although' before making an excuse. For example, 'Although I am a bug, I can still talk.' This combines the two visual parts with the character's meaning.

Write the top 口 first (3 strokes), then the bottom 虫 (6 strokes). Keep the 口 narrow and centered above the 虫 so the character stays balanced. A common mistake is making the 口 too wide or the 虫 too small, which ruins the proportion.

虽 has a clear 口 on top, while 虬 (qiú, a mythical dragon) has a curved hook-like stroke instead, and 虮 (jǐ, louse eggs) has 几 (table) on top. Also, their meanings are completely different: 虽 means 'although', while 虬 and 虮 are rarely used nouns.

虽 is a formal conjunction meaning 'although', often paired with 但是 or 可是 to introduce a contrast, like 虽然...但是... (although... but...). You will see it in both written and spoken Chinese, especially in HSK 2-level sentences expressing concession.

Common words containing 虽 include: 虽然 (suī rán) — Although; 虽说 (suī shuō) — Although / Even though; 虽则 (suī zé) — Although / Though.