哪怕 (nǎpà)

哪怕 is a concessive conjunction meaning "even if" or "no matter how," used to express that the outcome in the main clause holds regardless of the condition introduced.

Meanings

[conjunction] even if; even though; no matter (introduces an extreme concessive condition)

Example Sentences

哪怕只有一线希望，我也要坚持下去。 Nǎpà zhǐyǒu yī xiàn xīwàng, wǒ yě yào jiānchí xiàqù. Even if there is only a sliver of hope, I will keep going.

哪怕下大雪，她也会按时来上班。 Nǎpà xià dà xuě, tā yě huì ànshí lái shàngbān. Even if it snows heavily, she will come to work on time.

哪怕别人都不理解，他也坚持自己的选择。 Nǎpà biérén dōu bù lǐjiě, tā yě jiānchí zìjǐ de xuǎnzé. Even if no one else understands, he sticks to his choices.

哪怕是小小的进步，也值得鼓励。 Nǎpà shì xiǎo xiǎo de jìnbù, yě zhídé gǔlì. Even the smallest progress deserves encouragement.

哪怕困难再大，我们也不会放弃这个项目。 Nǎpà kùnnán zài dà, wǒmen yě bùhuì fàngqì zhège xiàngmù. No matter how great the difficulties, we will not give up this project.

哪怕只有一天的假期，他也要出去走走。 Nǎpà zhǐyǒu yī tiān de jiàqī, tā yě yào chūqù zǒuzou. Even if he only has one day off, he wants to go out for a walk.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
哪怕...也...	even if...still...
哪怕只有	even if there is only
哪怕如此	even so; even though it is like this
哪怕一点点	even a little bit

Usage Notes

哪怕 is an informal or semi-formal conjunction common in spoken and written Chinese, used to introduce a concessive extreme. Like 即便 and 即使, it pairs with 也 in the main clause. However, 哪怕 has a slightly more colloquial and emotionally emphatic feel compared to the more neutral 即使.

哪怕 is often used to express determination in the face of obstacles, or to highlight that even the smallest thing has value. It can also introduce a hypothetical minimum condition (哪怕只有一点点, even if there's just a tiny bit).

Memory Hook

哪怕 sounds like "what's there to fear?" -- even IF something scary happens (哪怕), the result doesn't change. Nothing can stop the main clause.