尽管

• Pinyin: jǐn guǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 尽 = simplified from 盡, meaning exhaust; 管 = 竹 (bamboo) + 官 (official), meaning tube or regardless

Meaning

Although; even though; despite. Also: feel free to; go ahead.

As a conjunction, introduces a concession (尽管很累，但他坚持工作). As an adverb, encourages action without worry (有问题尽管问). Context determines which meaning applies. Often paired with 但是 or 还是 in the second clause.

Examples

1. 尽管天气很冷，公园里还是有很多人在锻炼。 Although the weather is very cold, there are still many people exercising in the park.
2. 尽管他反复解释，她还是不相信他说的话。 Even though he explained repeatedly, she still didn't believe what he said.
3. 有什么需要帮忙的，尽管开口，别客气。 If you need any help, just ask — don't be shy.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, writing, encouragement

Tone: concessive or encouraging

Do Say

• 尽管问我。(Feel free to ask me.)
• 尽管外面下着雨，我们还是出门了。(Even though it was raining outside, we still went out.)

Don't Say

• 尽管我喜欢你 (This is incomplete — 尽管 as a conjunction needs a contrasting second clause)

Origin & History

Compound of 尽 (exhaustive, all) + 管 (in spite of, regardless), meaning regardless of all.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal