quoique
C1although, though
Formal connector expressing concession, similar to 'bien que' but more literary. Always followed by the subjunctive mood.
Usage
Must be followed by subjunctive. Used in formal or literary contexts to express concession. Can sometimes appear alone as a hesitation marker in speech (informal usage).
Examples
Quoiqu'il soit jeune, il a beaucoup d'expérience.
Although he's young, he has a lot of experience.
Context: Formal concession
Quoique ce soit difficile, ce n'est pas impossible.
Although it's difficult, it's not impossible.
Context: Acknowledging difficulty while maintaining optimism
Elle a réussi, quoiqu'elle ait eu peu de temps.
She succeeded, although she had little time.
Context: Success despite constraint
Synonyms & Alternatives
Important Notes
ALWAYS requires subjunctive in formal usage! Very formal/literary. Conversationally, 'quoique' alone can mean 'well...' or 'though...' (hesitation).