即使

• Pinyin: jí shǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 即 = 卩 (kneeling person) + 皀 (food vessel), originally meaning 'to approach'; 使 = 亻(person) + 吏 (official), meaning 'to cause'

Meaning

Even if; even though. A conjunction introducing hypothetical or concessive conditions.

Used to introduce a condition that doesn't change the outcome, often paired with 也 in the main clause. More formal than 就算. Emphasizes that the result remains true regardless of the condition.

Examples

1. 即使下大雨，他也会准时到达会议现场。 Even if it rains heavily, he will arrive at the meeting venue on time.
2. 即使工作再忙，她也不会忘记给父母打电话。 No matter how busy she is with work, she won't forget to call her parents.
3. 即使失败了，我们也不应该放弃继续尝试。 Even if we fail, we shouldn't give up trying.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, formal writing, speeches

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 即使很难，我也要试试。(Even if it's hard, I still want to try.)
• 即使你不同意，也请听我说完。(Even if you disagree, please let me finish.)

Don't Say

• 即使我去了 (即使 needs a paired consequence clause with 也 — say 即使我去了，也帮不上忙)

Origin & History

Compound of 即 (immediately, even if) + 使 (to cause, to make), forming a conjunction meaning 'even if/though.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal