哪怕

• Pinyin: nǎ pà
• Hanzi breakdown: 哪 = 口 (mouth) + 那 (that, phonetic); 怕 = 忄(heart) + 白 (white) — fear that turns the heart pale

Meaning

Even if; even though; no matter how. A conjunction used to introduce a hypothetical extreme scenario to emphasise determination.

A concessive conjunction that emphasises that even in the most extreme or unlikely case, the result will still hold. It is stronger than 即使 and carries a tone of resolve or willingness to endure. Often paired with 也 or 都 in the main clause.

Examples

1. 哪怕下大雨，我也要去看你。 Even if it pours with rain, I still want to go see you.
2. 哪怕只有一点希望，我们都不能放弃。 Even if there is only a sliver of hope, we cannot give up.
3. 哪怕工作再忙，你也应该注意身体。 No matter how busy work gets, you should still take care of your health.

Usage Guide

Context: determination, persuasion, encouragement

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 哪怕失败一百次，我也不会放弃。(Even if I fail a hundred times, I will not give up.)
• 哪怕只剩最后一分钟，也要坚持到底。(Even if only the last minute remains, hold on to the end.)

Don't Say

• 用'哪怕'表示'也许' (Don't use 哪怕 to mean 'perhaps' — it means 'even if' and always introduces a hypothetical extreme, not a possibility)

Origin & History

哪 (which/what) + 怕 (to fear) — literally 'what is there to fear,' suggesting determination regardless of obstacles.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal