即使 (jíshǐ) — even if; even though
HSK 3 | conjunction | concessive condition — even in an extreme hypothetical case, the result still holds
即使 (jíshǐ)
即使 introduces a concessive condition — "even if" or "even though." It presents an extreme or hypothetical scenario and states that even under that scenario, the conclusion in the second clause (marked by 也) still stands. The condition may be real or imaginary.
Meanings
- [conjunction] Even if; even though — presents an extreme condition (real or hypothetical) that does not change the outcome, always paired with 也 in the result clause.
Pattern
即使 + [extreme / hypothetical condition] + 也 + [result that still holds]
Compare with 虽然...但是: 虽然 introduces a real, known fact; 即使 introduces a hypothetical or extreme scenario.
| Pattern | Use |
|---|---|
| 虽然下雨，但是他来了。 | Real fact: it did rain, and he came anyway. |
| 即使下雨，他也会来。 | Hypothetical: even if it rains, he will still come. |
Example Sentences
即使很难，我也不会放弃。 Jíshǐ hěn nán, wǒ yě bú huì fàngqì. Even if it is very difficult, I will not give up.
即使你不同意，这个计划也会继续。 Jíshǐ nǐ bù tóngyì, zhège jìhuà yě huì jìxù. Even if you don't agree, this plan will continue.
即使再忙，他也会抽时间陪家人。 Jíshǐ zài máng, tā yě huì chōu shíjiān péi jiārén. Even if he is busier than ever, he will still find time to be with his family.
即使失败了，我们也学到了很多。 Jíshǐ shībài le, wǒmen yě xuédào le hěn duō. Even if we failed, we still learned a great deal.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 即使…也… | even if…still… |
| 即使如此 | even so; even in that case |
| 即使再… | even if even more… |
| 即使失败 | even if (one) fails |
| 即使不可能 | even if it is impossible |
Memory Hook
即 means "immediately / at that very moment." 使 means "to cause / even if." Picture the most extreme moment you can imagine — 即使 says: even at that extreme moment, the result still does not change.