Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 即使 | jíshǐ |
| 儘管 / 尽管 | jǐnguǎn |
Both terms are used to express concession, but they are applied to different types of situations. Use 即使 when you are discussing a hypothetical or extreme scenario that might not have actually happened yet, often translated as "even if". Use 尽管 when you are referring to a real, existing or factual situation, often translated as "although" or "despite the fact that".
Which one should you use?
The primary difference lies in the nature of the condition. 即使 is typically used for hypothetical or concessive situations (even if), whereas 尽管 is used for factual situations (although/despite the fact that).
How does it change in a sentence?
In a sentence, these conjunctions are often paired with specific words in the second clause to complete the structure. The conjunction 即使 is frequently paired with 也 to create an "even if… still…" structure. The conjunction 尽管 is often paired with 但是 or 可是 to create an "although… but…" structure.
How do you pronounce it?
jíshǐ
Did you know?
- In English, using 'although' and 'but' in the same sentence is a grammatical error, but in Chinese, pairing 尽管 with 但是 is the standard and expected way to structure the sentence.
- The word '尽管' can also function as an adverb meaning 'feel free to', such as in '尽管说' which means 'please go ahead and speak'.
- The character '使' in 即使 literally means 'to make' or 'to cause', suggesting the phrase acts as a driver for a hypothetical condition.
Examples in context
- 他即使犧牲生命，也要出賣組織。Even though it costs his life, he still chooses to betray his organization.This sentence shows the use of 即使 in an extreme situation.Tatoeba #8706263 by shou, translation #8706589 by shou
- 即使汤姆很有钱，他也开心不起来。Even though Tom is wealthy, he's not happy.This sentence demonstrates 即使 applied to a person's circumstances.Tatoeba #10206395 by GlossaMatik, translation #10206393 by CK
- 他们分房睡，即使他们已经结婚了。They sleep in separate bedrooms even though they're married.This sentence shows how 即使 connects two clauses regarding a marital state.Tatoeba #10696114 by GlossaMatik, translation #1293235 by CK
- 尽管他很忙，他仍然找时间帮助我。Even though he is very busy, he still finds time to help me.
- 虽然下雨了，但是我们还是去公园了。Even though it rained, we still went to the park.
- 纵然困难重重，我们也不会放弃。Even though faced with numerous difficulties, we will not give up.
- 即使明天下雨，我们还是去爬山。Even though it rains tomorrow, we will still go hiking.
- 尽管她很生气，他还是决定道歉。Even though she is very angry, he still decides to apologize.
- 纵然失去了，我们也不会后悔。Even though we lost, we won't regret it.
- 就算他忙得没时间，我还是会等他。Even though he is too busy, I will still wait for him.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a cafe, a woman encourages a man about a difficult task.
- 梓涵 Zihan即使很難，你也一定可以的。jíshǐ hěn nán, nǐ yě yīdìng kěyǐ de.Even though it is difficult, you can definitely do it.
- 志强 Zhiqiang謝謝妳，梓涵，我會努力。xièxiè nǐ, zǐhán, wǒ huì nǔlì.Thank you, Zihan, I will work hard.
- 梓涵 Zihan志強，我對你很有信心。zhìqiáng, wǒ duì nǐ hěn yǒu xìnxīn.Zhiqiang, I have great confidence in you.
- 志强 Zhiqiang有妳的支持，我就放心了。yǒu nǐ de zhīchí, wǒ jiù fàngxīn le.With your support, I feel much more relieved.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “even though” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
