You'll often see 纵使 at the beginning of a clause. It introduces a situation, often one that's a bit challenging or unexpected. Think of it like saying "even if" or "even though" in English.
It highlights that despite this situation, something else will still happen, or a certain outcome remains true. It's a way to acknowledge a potential obstacle but then emphasize that it won't change the main point. So, when you see 纵使, get ready for a contrast between what's introduced and what follows.
When you want to express a concession or a hypothetical situation that doesn't change the outcome, you can use 纵使.
It's similar to "even if" or "even though" in English. You use it to introduce a condition or a fact that is contrary to what might be expected, but the main clause still holds true.
Think of it as setting up a scenario where despite something happening or being true, the main point remains.
When you want to express a concession or a hypothetical situation that doesn't change the main outcome, 纵使 is a great choice. It's similar to "even if" or "even though" in English, and it introduces a subordinate clause. You'll often see it used in more formal or literary contexts.
Think of it as setting up a contrast: "Even if X happens, Y will still be the case." The part after 纵使 presents a condition that, despite its potential, won't alter the subsequent statement. It emphasizes the strength or certainty of the main clause.
When you want to express a concession or a hypothetical situation that doesn't change the outcome, 纵使 is a good choice. It's similar to "even if" or "even though" in English. Think of it as introducing a condition that, despite its presence, won't alter the main point. For example, 纵使他很忙，他也会抽出时间来帮助你 (Even if he's very busy, he'll still make time to help you). It often implies that the following clause is still true regardless of the preceding one. You'll commonly see it paired with adverbs like 也 (yě) or 仍然 (réngrán) in the subsequent clause to emphasize this.
How Formal Is It?
"即便困难重重，我们也要坚持下去。 (Even if difficulties abound, we must persevere.)"
"即使下雨，我也要去。 (Even if it rains, I'm still going.)"
"就算你生气，我也没办法。 (Even if you're angry, there's nothing I can do.)"
"就算天黑了，我们还要玩。 (Even if it's dark, we still want to play.)"
"哪怕不吃饭，我也要把这事儿办了。 (Even if I don't eat, I'll get this done.)"
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the 's' in 'zòng' as 'z' or 'c'.
- Failing to aspirate the 'zh' sound correctly in 'shǐ'.
Grammar to Know
Can introduce a hypothetical or concessive situation.
纵使他不同意，我也要去做。(Even if he doesn't agree, I will still do it.)
Often followed by 也 (yě) or 仍然 (réngrán) in the main clause to emphasize the outcome.
纵使困难重重，我们也要坚持下去。(Even though there are many difficulties, we still need to persevere.)
Can connect two clauses where the second clause expresses a result contrary to what might be expected from the first clause.
纵使下雨，我们也要出门。(Even if it rains, we still have to go out.)
Typically used in formal contexts or written Chinese, less common in everyday spoken language compared to 即使 (jíshǐ).
纵使前方荆棘密布，也要勇往直前。(Even if there are thorns ahead, we must bravely move forward.)
The subject of the two clauses can be the same or different.
纵使我很累，我也要完成这项任务。(Even if I'm tired, I still have to complete this task.)
How to Use It
纵使 (zòng shǐ) is a formal conjunction that means "even if" or "even though." It's often used in writing and formal speech. It emphasizes a concession or a hypothetical situation that doesn't prevent a certain outcome. You'll typically see it followed by a clause describing the situation, and then another clause describing the result.
A common mistake is using 纵使 interchangeably with 即使 (jí shǐ). While both mean "even if," 纵使 is more formal and carries a stronger sense of concession or unlikelihood. Use 纵使 when you want to highlight a more significant or difficult hypothetical situation. Another mistake is forgetting that 纵使 is a conjunction, so it connects two clauses and should not be used as a standalone adverb.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth 纵使 and 即使 mean 'even if' or 'even though.' However, 纵使 tends to emphasize a stronger concession, often implying a more extreme or unlikely condition. Think of it as 'even if by some remote chance' or 'even in the most unfavorable circumstances.' 即使 is more general and can be used in a wider range of hypothetical situations.
Yes, you can use 纵使 to talk about past events, but it still carries that sense of a strong, often hypothetical, concession about what might have happened or what was true. For example, 纵使他很努力，也未能成功 (Even though he worked very hard, he still didn't succeed.)
纵使 is generally considered more formal than 即使. You'll find it more often in written Chinese, literature, or formal speeches. In everyday spoken Chinese, 即使 is more common.
A common pattern is 纵使…也… (even if… still…), where 也 (yě) emphasizes the outcome despite the concession. For example, 纵使下雨，我也要去 (Even if it rains, I'm still going.) You might also see it with other adverbs like 仍 (réng - still) or 还 (hái - still/yet).
Absolutely! 纵使 often appears at the beginning of a clause or a sentence to introduce the concessive condition. For example, 纵使困难重重，我们也要坚持下去 (Even if there are many difficulties, we must persevere.)
Not necessarily. While it often appears in contexts where the outcome is contrary to what might be expected from the 'even if' condition (which can feel negative), it doesn't always imply a 'bad' outcome. It simply highlights a strong concession. For example, 纵使她很忙，她也会抽出时间帮你 (Even if she's very busy, she will still make time to help you.) Here, the outcome is positive.
Any verb or adjective that describes a state or action can follow 纵使. It depends on the condition you are trying to express. For example, 纵使贫穷 (even if poor), 纵使失败 (even if failed), 纵使努力 (even if working hard).
In very casual spoken Chinese, you might simply use 就算 (jiùsuàn) or 即使 (jíshǐ). While they are not exact replacements for the strong emphasis of 纵使, they serve a similar 'even if' function in everyday talk.
Focus on whether the situation you're describing is a strong or extreme concession. If you want to say 'even in the most challenging/unlikely scenario,' then 纵使 is a good choice. Always pair it with a consequence, usually introduced by 也 (yě), 仍 (réng), or 还 (hái).
No, 纵使 introduces a hypothetical condition or concession, not a question. It sets up a premise for a statement or conclusion. If you want to ask 'even if…?', you would typically use 即使…也…? or a different construction.
Test Yourself 60 questions
Listen and understand 'hello'.
Listen and understand 'thank you'.
Listen and understand 'goodbye'.
Read this aloud:
我爱中国
Focus: wǒ ài zhōng guó
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你叫什么名字？
Focus: nǐ jiào shén me míng zi?
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
很高兴认识你
Focus: hěn gāo xìng rèn shi nǐ
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'I am a student.' The correct order is subject-verb-object.
This sentence means 'How are you?' It's a common greeting.
This sentence means 'He loves her.' The verb '爱' (love) comes between the subject and object.
Choose the correct translation: 'I like apples.'
This is a basic sentence expressing liking something in Chinese.
Which one means 'thank you'?
'谢谢' (xièxie) is the common way to say 'thank you' in Chinese.
How do you say 'hello' in Chinese?
'你好' (nǐ hǎo) is the most common greeting in Chinese.
The sentence '我爱吃米饭' means 'I love to eat noodles.'
米饭 (mǐfàn) means 'rice', not 'noodles'. So the sentence means 'I love to eat rice.'
In Chinese, '是' can be used to say 'yes'.
While there isn't a direct equivalent of 'yes' or 'no' in Chinese, '是' (shì) is often used to affirm or confirm, similar to 'yes'.
The word for 'water' is '水'.
水 (shuǐ) indeed means 'water' in Chinese.
___ 他很忙，他还是会抽出时间帮助我。
这句话表达的是让步关系，意思是“即使他很忙，他还是会抽出时间帮助我。” 纵使最符合。
___ 遇到困难，我们也不能放弃。
这句话表达的是一种假设的让步，意思是“即使遇到困难，我们也不能放弃。” 纵使最符合。
___ 天气不好，我们也得按时出门。
这句话表达的是一种让步，意思是“即使天气不好，我们也得按时出门。” 纵使最符合。
___ 失败了，也要从中学习经验。
这句话表达的是一种假设的让步，意思是“即使失败了，也要从中学习经验。” 纵使最符合。
___ 路途遥远，我也会去看你。
这句话表达的是一种让步，意思是“即使路途遥远，我也会去看你。” 纵使最符合。
___ 他不同意，我也会坚持我的决定。
这句话表达的是一种假设的让步，意思是“即使他不同意，我也会坚持我的决定。” 纵使最符合。
Write a sentence using '纵使' to say: 'Even if it rains tomorrow, we will still go hiking.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
纵使明天会下雨，我们仍然会去爬山。
Use '纵使' to write a sentence expressing: 'Even though he is very busy, he still makes time for his family.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
纵使他工作很忙，他也会抽出时间陪家人。
Write a sentence using '纵使' about overcoming difficulties, for example: 'Even if the task is difficult, we must complete it.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
纵使这个任务很困难，我们也要完成它。
根据这段话，他为什么每天都很认真地学习？ (According to this passage, why does he study diligently every day?)
Read this passage:
纵使他知道这件事很难，他还是决定去尝试。他相信只要努力，就能成功。所以，他每天都很认真地学习。
根据这段话，他为什么每天都很认真地学习？ (According to this passage, why does he study diligently every day?)
Passage says he knows it's hard but decides to try and believes effort leads to success, hence he studies diligently.
Passage says he knows it's hard but decides to try and believes effort leads to success, hence he studies diligently.
说话人今天为什么想出去？ (Why does the speaker want to go out today?)
Read this passage:
纵使今天天气不好，我还是想出去走走。我想去公园看看花，呼吸新鲜空气。也许下午天气会好起来。
说话人今天为什么想出去？ (Why does the speaker want to go out today?)
The speaker wants to go out to see flowers and breathe fresh air, despite the bad weather.
The speaker wants to go out to see flowers and breathe fresh air, despite the bad weather.
根据这段话，我们为什么要互相帮助？ (According to this passage, why should we help each other?)
Read this passage:
纵使我们不是最好的朋友，我们也应该互相帮助。在生活中，每个人都需要帮助。帮助别人也是帮助自己。
根据这段话，我们为什么要互相帮助？ (According to this passage, why should we help each other?)
The passage states that everyone needs help, and helping others also helps oneself.
The passage states that everyone needs help, and helping others also helps oneself.
Choose the correct sentence using “纵使”:
“纵使” means “even if” or “even though”. Option A correctly uses it to express a condition. The other options are grammatically incorrect or do not make sense in context.
Which of the following best completes the sentence: “____ 遇到困难，我们也不能放弃。”
“纵使” fits best here to mean “even if we encounter difficulties, we still cannot give up.” The other options do not convey the same meaning of concession.
Select the sentence where “纵使” is used appropriately to show a strong concession:
Option A shows a strong concession: 'Even though he was sick, he still insisted on finishing his work.' This highlights the determination despite a difficult condition. The other options either don't convey a strong enough concession or are a bit awkward.
“纵使” can be used interchangeably with “虽然” in all contexts.
False. While both express concession, “纵使” typically implies a stronger, more hypothetical, or more extreme condition compared to “虽然”. “纵使” often emphasizes that a certain outcome will still happen regardless of a difficult or unlikely situation.
The sentence “纵使很晚了，他还在学习。” is grammatically correct and means “Even though it's very late, he is still studying.”
True. This is a correct and natural usage of “纵使” to express concession regarding the time.
You can use “纵使” to express a simple reason, like in “我喜欢它纵使因为它很漂亮。”
False. “纵使” is used for concession ('even if', 'even though'), not to introduce a simple reason ('because'). The correct word here would be “因为” (because).
Write a sentence using “纵使” to express that despite a challenge, you will still achieve something. (Even if it's difficult, I will finish it.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
纵使这项任务非常困难，我也会努力完成它。(Even if this task is very difficult, I will try my best to complete it.)
Use “纵使” to describe a situation where someone continues to pursue a dream even though the odds are against them. (Even though he failed many times, he still didn't give up on his dream.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
纵使他失败了很多次，他仍然没有放弃自己的梦想。(Even though he failed many times, he still didn't give up on his dream.)
Form a sentence using “纵使” to talk about a hypothetical difficult situation and a positive outcome. (Even if there are many challenges, we will eventually succeed.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
纵使前方有再多的挑战，我们最终也会成功。(Even if there are many challenges ahead, we will eventually succeed.)
根据这段话，这个人认为什么最重要？
Read this passage:
纵使工作再忙，他也会抽出时间陪伴家人。在他看来，家庭幸福比什么都重要。所以他总是尽量平衡工作和生活。
根据这段话，这个人认为什么最重要？
文章明确指出“在他看来，家庭幸福比什么都重要”。
文章明确指出“在他看来，家庭幸福比什么都重要”。
这位女士对学习汉语的态度是怎样的？
Read this passage:
她学习汉语已经十年了。纵使过程中遇到过很多困难，她也从未想过放弃。她坚信只要坚持，就一定能学好。
这位女士对学习汉语的态度是怎样的？
文中提到“她也从未想过放弃”，表明她非常坚持。
文中提到“她也从未想过放弃”，表明她非常坚持。
为什么他决定冒雨出门跑步？
Read this passage:
纵使外面下着大雨，他还是决定出门跑步。他认为天气不是阻碍他锻炼的理由。他总是保持积极的生活态度。
为什么他决定冒雨出门跑步？
文章中明确说明“他认为天气不是阻碍他锻炼的理由”。
文章中明确说明“他认为天气不是阻碍他锻炼的理由”。
The conjunction 纵使 introduces a concessive clause, meaning 'even if' or 'even though'.
This sentence means 'Even if work is busy, she will still make time to study.' 纵使 is used to emphasize the concession.
Here, 纵使 indicates 'even though they have disagreements, they can still find solutions.'
___ 他有再多的钱，也买不到真正的幸福。
“纵使” (zòngshǐ) means 'even if' or 'even though', indicating a concession. Here, it conveys that despite having a lot of money, he cannot buy true happiness.
___ 困难重重，我们也要坚持到底。
“纵使” (zòngshǐ) is used here to emphasize that even in the face of many difficulties, the speaker insists on persevering.
她决定要完成这个项目，___ 有人反对。
“纵使” (zòngshǐ) fits perfectly here, showing that she will complete the project 'even if' there is opposition.
___ 天气再恶劣，飞行员也必须完成任务。
“纵使” (zòngshǐ) conveys the idea of 'even though' the weather is bad, the pilot still has to complete the mission.
他不会改变自己的立场，___ 承受巨大压力。
“纵使” (zòngshǐ) is used to express that he will not change his stance 'even if' he faces immense pressure.
___ 过去的事情再美好，也回不到从前了。
“纵使” (zòngshǐ) means 'even if' or 'even though'. Here, it highlights that even if past events were beautiful, one cannot return to them.
Which sentence correctly uses 纵使 (zòngshǐ)?
纵使 (zòngshǐ) typically introduces a hypothetical or concessive clause at the beginning of the sentence or clause.
Choose the best equivalent for 'Even if she doesn't agree, I will still proceed.'
纵使 (zòngshǐ) usually begins the concessive clause, emphasizing the hypothetical situation.
In which sentence can 纵使 (zòngshǐ) be replaced by 即使 (jíshǐ) without significant change in meaning?
In many contexts, 纵使 (zòngshǐ) and 即使 (jíshǐ) are interchangeable, both conveying the meaning of 'even if/though' in a concessive sense.
The sentence '纵使风雨兼程，我们也要按时抵达。' means 'Even if we travel through wind and rain, we must arrive on time.'
The sentence correctly uses 纵使 (zòngshǐ) to express a concession, meaning 'even if' or 'even though'.
You can use 纵使 (zòngshǐ) at the end of a sentence to emphasize a strong concession.
纵使 (zòngshǐ) typically appears at the beginning of the concessive clause or sentence, not at the end.
The sentence '纵使他有再多钱，也不能买到健康。' is grammatically correct and means 'Even if he has a lot of money, he can't buy health.'
This sentence is grammatically correct and effectively uses 纵使 (zòngshǐ) to express a concessive clause.
/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
