虽然
suīrán · HSK 2
although
虽 (although) + 然 (so/thus) = 'although so' = though
虽然 pairs 虽 'although' with 然 'so/thus/in this way'. Together they front a clause meaning 'although it is so...', usually paired with 但是 (but) in the next clause: 虽然...但是... = although...but...
虽 — mouth 口 + insect 虫, with 唯-like phonetic
虽 is the simplified form of 雖. The traditional character combined 唯 (phonetic, giving the 'sui' sound) with 虫 (insect), originally referring to a kind of lizard. Over time the meaning shifted entirely to the grammatical sense 'although', and the original creature reading was lost.
suī rán · HSK 2
although
虽然 = although + so; 虽 (although) + 然 (so/like that) = even though
虽 means although/even if; 然 means so or thus. Together 虽然 sets up a concession: even though X is so, Y still holds. Often paired with 但是 (but) in the second clause.
虽 — mouth 口 + insect 虫, with 唯-like phonetic
虽 is the simplified form of 雖. The traditional character combined 唯 (phonetic, giving the 'sui' sound) with 虫 (insect), originally referring to a kind of lizard. Over time the meaning shifted entirely to the grammatical sense 'although', and the original creature reading was lost.