纵然

• Pinyin: zòng rán
• Hanzi breakdown: 纵 = 糸 + 从 (release/even if); 然 = 灬 + 肰 (so/thus)

Meaning

Even if; even though. A formal concessive conjunction acknowledging a hypothetical or real condition while asserting that the conclusion holds regardless.

More literary and emphatic than 即使 or 就算. Common in formal writing, classical-style prose, and oratory. Often appears in the first clause of a concessive structure followed by 也 or 仍然.

Examples

1. 纵然前路荆棘丛生，他们也绝不会放弃这项使命。 Even if the road ahead is full of thorns, they will never abandon this mission.
2. 纵然对方提出了种种理由，调查委员会仍坚持独立核查的立场。 Even though the other side offered all kinds of reasons, the investigative committee still insisted on conducting an independent review.
3. 纵然结果未必如愿，此次探索的意义仍不可低估。 Even if the outcome may not be what we hope for, the value of this exploration should not be underestimated.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, speech, debate, formal writing

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 纵然困难重重，这支团队仍以顽强的意志完成了科研攻关任务。(Even though the difficulties were immense, the team still accomplished the research breakthrough with indomitable determination.)
• 纵然批评声音不断，他仍坚持推行这一颇具争议的改革方案。(Even if criticism continued to mount, he persisted in advancing this controversial reform plan.)

Don't Say

• 纵然我想吃东西了 — 纵然 requires a meaningful concessive contrast; use 虽然 or 不过 for casual concessive remarks

Origin & History

纵 (even if/release) + 然 (so/thus)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal