即使...也 (even if)

• Pinyin: jíshǐ...yě
• Formation: 即使 + Condition，也 + Result
• Hanzi breakdown: 即 = 艮 (boundary) + 卩 (person kneeling), 使 = 亻(person) + 吏 (official)

Meaning

The pattern 即使...也... means 'even if...still...' and expresses that the result in the main clause will hold true regardless of the condition stated. It indicates a concessive relationship where the condition does not change the outcome.

即使 is a formal concessive conjunction, stronger and more literary than 就算 (even if, colloquial). It presents a hypothetical or extreme condition and asserts that even under that condition, the result remains unchanged. 也 in the result clause means 'still' or 'nevertheless.' Learners sometimes confuse this pattern with 虽然...但是... (although...but...), which states a factual contrast rather than a hypothetical concession. 即使 is commonly used for emphasis, determination, or to stress the speaker's resolve. In very formal writing, 亦 may replace 也. The condition in the 即使 clause can be either hypothetical or factual.

Examples

1. 即使下雨，我也要去跑步。 Even if it rains, I still want to go running.
2. 即使工作很忙，他也坚持每天读书。 Even though work is very busy, he still insists on reading every day.
3. 即使你不说，我也知道发生了什么。 Even if you don't say anything, I know what happened.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, formal

Tone: resolute

Do Say

• 即使遇到困难，我们也不能放弃。
• 即使他道歉了，我也不想原谅他。
• 即使再忙，也要记得吃饭。

Don't Say

• 即使下雨，但是我还是去了。(即使 pairs with 也, not 但是 — use 即使...也... for the 'even if...still...' structure) → 即使下雨，我也去了。
• 即使很累也他坚持工作。(也 must be placed after the subject in the result clause — say 他也坚持工作) → 即使很累，他也坚持工作。

Origin & History

即使 combines 即 (even/immediately) and 使 (to make/cause), creating the meaning 'even if it were made so.' This conjunction has deep roots in classical Chinese and remains a standard formal concessive marker in modern Mandarin.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal