Are you curious to learn how to express the word “despite” in Chinese? Despite being a seemingly simple word, it can have various translations depending on the context. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “despite” in Chinese, providing you with tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Despite” in Chinese
When it comes to formal situations, there are a few common translations of “despite” in Chinese. These expressions are widely used in written and spoken contexts:
- 尽管 (jǐnguǎn): This is the most common way to convey “despite” in Chinese. It is often used in formal writing and formal conversations. For example:
尽管下雨，他还是出门了 (Jǐnguǎn xià yǔ, tā háishì chūmén le) – Despite the rain, he still went out.
- 虽然 (suīrán): This term is also frequently used to express “despite” in formal contexts. It indicates that although something is true, there is still another contrary aspect. For instance:
虽然工作忙，但我会尽力帮助你 (Suīrán gōngzuò máng, dàn wǒ huì jìnlì bāngzhù nǐ) – Despite being busy at work, I will do my best to help you.
- 不管 (bùguǎn): This term is commonly used to convey “regardless of” or “no matter” and can be used as a synonym for “despite.” For example:
不管天气有多冷，他总是穿短袖 (Bùguǎn tiānqì yǒu duō lěng, tā zǒng shì chuān duǎnxiù) – Despite how cold it is, he always wears short sleeves.
Informal Ways to Say “Despite” in Chinese
When it comes to informal settings or casual conversations, there are some alternative expressions you can use to say “despite” in Chinese:
- 不管怎样 (bùguǎn zěnyàng): Similar to “不管 (bùguǎn)” mentioned earlier, this phrase means “no matter what” and can be used to express “despite” in informal situations. For example:
不管怎样，我还是会爱你 (Bùguǎn zěnyàng, wǒ háishì huì ài nǐ) – Despite everything, I will still love you.
- 即使 (jíshǐ): This term is often used in spoken language and conveys the meaning of “even if” or “even though.” It can be an alternative translation for “despite” in informal contexts. For instance:
即使明天下雨，我们也要去郊游 (Jíshǐ míngtiān xià yǔ, wǒmen yě yào qù jiāoyóu) – Despite the rain tomorrow, we still want to go on an outing.
Regional Variations
Chinese is a diverse language with regional variations. While the above-mentioned expressions are commonly used across different Chinese-speaking regions, there are slight variations that you might encounter:
Cantonese:
In Cantonese, a widely spoken language in Southern China, “despite” is often expressed using the term 咁樣 (gam3 joeng2). It is colloquial and used in informal conversations.
Shanghainese:
If you’re in Shanghai or interacting with Shanghainese speakers, they might use 就是 (tsiuh syh) to convey the sense of “despite” in informal contexts.
Note that these regional variations may not be as commonly understood by all Chinese speakers, so it’s advisable to stick to the formal and informal expressions mentioned earlier to ensure clear communication.
To summarize, here are the common translations for “despite” in Chinese:
- Formal ways: 尽管 (jǐnguǎn), 虽然 (suīrán), 不管 (bùguǎn)
- Informal ways: 不管怎样 (bùguǎn zěnyàng), 即使 (jíshǐ)
Remember that context is key, and it’s essential to choose the appropriate translation based on the formality and setting of your conversation. Practice using these expressions in various sentences to enhance your language skills.
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to say “despite” in Chinese with formal and informal translations, along with some regional variations. Happy learning!
