Concessive Compound: 即使……也…… (Even If…Still…)
即使……，也……
Express concession — that a result holds true even under an unfavorable or hypothetical condition
Use 即使 to introduce a hypothetical or extreme condition, and 也 in the second clause to emphasize that the result remains unchanged regardless of that condition.
即使 (jíshǐ) is more formal than 就算 (jiùsuàn), which carries the same meaning in colloquial speech. The subject can appear before or after 即使. The adverb 也 in the second clause is required and cannot be omitted.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Concessive Compound: 即使……也…… (Even If…Still…) (即使……，也……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 即使……，也…… pattern
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Understanding 即使……，也……
The 即使……也…… pattern is one of the most important concessive structures in Chinese. It expresses "even if X happens, Y still holds." Unlike 虽然……但是…… which states a known fact, 即使……也…… often deals with hypothetical or future situations — things that have not happened yet or may not happen. For example, 即使明天下雨，我们也要出发 (Even if it rains tomorrow, we will still set off). The speaker acknowledges a possibility but declares that it will not change the outcome. This structure conveys determination, resilience, and certainty. It is widely used in both spoken and written Chinese to express firm resolve or to argue that something is universally true regardless of circumstances.
Key Points
- 即使 introduces a hypothetical or conceded condition; 也 marks the unchanged result.
- The subject can precede 即使 or appear between 即使 and the condition: 他即使生病了，也坚持工作 or 即使他生病了，他也坚持工作.
- 即使 is often used for hypothetical situations, while 虽然 is for established facts.
- 也 is mandatory in the second clause — omitting it makes the sentence incomplete.
- Common synonyms: 就算……也…… (colloquial), 哪怕……也…… (even more emphatic).
- Frequently appears in formal writing, speeches, and persuasive arguments.
The 即使……也…… pattern reflects a deeply valued trait in Chinese culture: perseverance (坚持 jiānchí). Many proverbs and motivational sayings use this structure to express that obstacles should not deter effort. It is common in Chinese educational contexts to encourage students with this pattern.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
即使天气不好，爬长城的人也不会少。
Even if the weather is bad, there will still be plenty of people climbing the Great Wall.
他即使生病了，也坚持工作。
Even if he is sick, he still persists in working.
我即使睡得再晚，早上六点也准时起。
No matter how late I go to sleep, I still get up on time at six in the morning.
即使你不同意，我也要去。
Even if you don't agree, I'm still going.
即使失败了，我们也不会放弃。
Even if we fail, we will not give up.
即使路再远，他也要走着去。
Even if the road is very long, he still insists on walking there.
即使价格贵一点儿，质量好的东西也值得买。
Even if the price is a little higher, good-quality things are still worth buying.
Common Mistakes
The adverb 也 is required in the second clause. Without it, the concessive relationship is incomplete.
虽然 is for known facts, but whether it rains tomorrow is hypothetical. Use 即使 for hypothetical or uncertain conditions.
Do not add 但是 in the second clause. 即使……也…… is a fixed pair — mixing in 但是 from the 虽然……但是…… pattern is incorrect.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 即使……也…… as "even if X, still Y" — the 也 is like "still" and cannot be dropped.
Use 即使 for hypothetical or uncertain conditions; use 虽然 for known facts.
In casual speech, you can substitute 就算 for 即使 — 就算下雨我也去.
Practice by thinking of things that would not change your plans: 即使……，我也要……
Homework
Write eight sentences using 即使……也……. Four should describe hypothetical future situations (e.g., weather, exam difficulty), and four should describe your personal determination or habits that remain unchanged despite challenges.