A2 conjunction 3 min read

即使...也...

Even if it rains, I will still go for a walk.

jishi...ye...

Explanation at your level:

You use this when you want to talk about plans. Imagine you want to play outside. You can say: 'Even if it rains, I will play.' It is a simple way to say that you will not change your mind.

At this level, you can use it to explain your choices. 'Even if the food is expensive, I will buy it because it is delicious.' It helps you connect two ideas clearly.

This is great for expressing your opinion. You can show that you have thought about the problems but have decided to continue anyway. It makes your English sound much more mature and thoughtful.

Use this to show nuance in debates. It allows you to concede a point to your opponent while still maintaining your main argument. It is a very sophisticated way to handle complex discussions.

In advanced writing, this structure helps in constructing logical arguments. It frames your point by acknowledging potential downsides, which makes your ultimate conclusion feel much more robust and well-reasoned.

At a mastery level, you use this to add rhetorical flair. It is common in literary analysis or philosophical discourse, where you weigh multiple hypothetical scenarios against a singular, unwavering truth or outcome.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Used for concession
  • Always a pair
  • Shows resilience
  • Very common

Hey there! Think of 即使...也... as your go-to tool for showing grit. When you use this, you are telling the world that your plans are solid, no matter what hurdles pop up.

It acts like a shield against 'what-ifs.' Whether you are talking about the weather, a tough boss, or a difficult task, this structure keeps your main point steady and strong. It is all about resilience and keeping your eyes on the prize.

You will find this everywhere from casual chats about weekend plans to serious academic debates. It is a super powerful way to emphasize that your resolve is stronger than any obstacle standing in your way!

The phrase 即使 comes from classical roots where (即) meant 'to approach' or 'even if,' and shǐ (使) meant 'to cause' or 'suppose.' Together, they evolved into a standard way to introduce a hypothetical condition.

Historically, this structure became solidified in written Chinese as a way to balance complex arguments. It allowed writers to acknowledge a counter-point (the 'even if' part) before firmly stating their own position (the 'still' part).

It is fascinating how language evolves to help us be more persuasive. By using this, you are tapping into centuries of rhetorical tradition designed to show that your logic is bulletproof, regardless of the circumstances.

Use 即使...也... when you want to emphasize that a condition is irrelevant to the outcome. It is very common in professional settings when you need to show commitment despite potential risks.

Commonly, it pairs with verbs of action or state-of-being. For example, you might say 'Even if I'm tired, I will finish this.' It is more formal than just saying 'but,' as it adds a layer of determination.

In casual speech, you might hear it shortened, but keeping the full structure makes you sound much more articulate and clear about your intentions.

While it is a grammatical structure, it appears in many set phrases. 即使如此 (Even so) is a great way to transition in a conversation.

Another common one is 即使...也...不..., which adds a negative, like 'Even if you beg, I won't do it.' It is very punchy!

You will also see it used in proverbs about perseverance, emphasizing that even if the road is long, the goal is worth it. It is a staple for anyone wanting to sound more native.

The structure is 即使 [Condition] + 也 [Result]. The '也' acts as the pivot point that connects the condition to the result.

Pronunciation-wise, emphasize the 'jí' to show you are serious. There are no plural forms here since it is a conjunction, but keep an eye on your subject-verb agreement in the clauses.

It is a versatile structure that works with almost any tense. Whether you are talking about the past, present, or future, this frame holds up perfectly!

Fun Fact

It is one of the most common ways to show determination in Chinese literature.

Pronunciation Guide

UK N/A

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US N/A

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Common Errors

  • Tone errors
  • Missing the second half
  • Incorrect pacing

Rhymes With

N/A

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy

Writing 2/5

Easy

Speaking 2/5

Easy

Listening 2/5

Easy

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Learn Next

纵使

Advanced

尽管

Grammar to Know

Concessive Clauses

Even if...

Examples by Level

1

即使下雨,我也去。

Even if it rains, I still go.

Simple conditional.

2

Example 2

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Common Collocations

即使...也...坚持
即使...也...不去
即使...也...不买
即使...也...不看
即使...也...不听
即使...也...不想
即使...也...不信
即使...也...不走
即使...也...不吃
即使...也...不问
即使...也...不理

Idioms & Expressions

"即使如此"

Even so

即使如此,我还是想试试。

neutral

""

""

""

""

""

Easily Confused

即使...也... vs 虽然

Both are conjunctions.

虽然 is for facts, 即使 is for hypothetical.

Contrastive example

即使...也... vs

即使...也... vs

即使...也... vs

Sentence Patterns

A1

即使 + Subject + Verb + 也 + Subject + Verb

即使你走,我也留下。

Word Family

Related

即便 synonym

How to Use It

frequency

9

Formality Scale

Formal Neutral Casual

Common Mistakes

Using '即使' without '也' 即使...也...
The '也' is required to complete the logical pair.
Mistake 2
Mistake 3
Mistake 4
Mistake 5

Tips

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Memory Palace

Place the word at your front door.

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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a shield: the '即使' part is the hit, the '也' is you standing tall.

Visual Association

A person standing in the rain, smiling.

Word Web

Determination Obstacles Resilience

Challenge

Write 3 things you will do regardless of the weather.

Word Origin

Chinese

Original meaning: Even if

Cultural Context

None

Directly maps to 'Even if... still...'

Used in countless motivational speeches

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Work

  • 即使加班,也要完成

Conversation Starters

"Prompt 1"

"Prompt 2"

"Prompt 3"

"Prompt 4"

"Prompt 5"

Journal Prompts

Prompt 1

Prompt 2

Prompt 3

Prompt 4

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions

No, it is a pair.

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

___ it rains, I will go.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Even if

Even if is the correct conditional.

multiple choice A2

Which means...?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Option 1
true false B1

Statement

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: True
match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!
sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Score: /10

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