即便 (jíbiàn)

即便 is a conjunction used to introduce a hypothetical or concessive condition, meaning "even if" or "even though," often paired with 也 in the result clause.

Meanings

[conjunction] even if; even though (introduces a concession)

Example Sentences

即便下雨，比赛也会照常进行。 Jíbiàn xià yǔ, bǐsài yě huì zhàocháng jìnxíng. Even if it rains, the match will proceed as scheduled.

即便你不同意，这个决定已经做出了。 Jíbiàn nǐ bù tóngyì, zhège juédìng yǐjīng zuòchū le. Even if you disagree, the decision has already been made.

即便面对困难，他也从不放弃。 Jíbiàn miànduì kùnnán, tā yě cóng bù fàngqì. Even when facing difficulties, he never gives up.

即便没有钱，她也保持着乐观的态度。 Jíbiàn méiyǒu qián, tā yě bǎochí zhe lèguān de tàidu. Even without money, she maintains an optimistic attitude.

即便是专家，有时候也会犯错误。 Jíbiàn shì zhuānjiā, yǒushíhou yě huì fàn cuòwù. Even experts sometimes make mistakes.

即便工作再忙，他也坚持每天锻炼。 Jíbiàn gōngzuò zài máng, tā yě jiānchí měitiān duànliàn. No matter how busy work is, he still insists on exercising every day.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
即便如此	even so; even though that is the case
即便这样	even so; even like this
即便...也...	even if...still...
即便不	even if not
即便面对	even when facing

Usage Notes

即便 is a formal conjunction similar to 即使 and 就算, all meaning "even if." 即便 and 即使 are largely interchangeable in written Chinese, while 就算 sounds more colloquial. The pattern 即便...也... is the standard structure, where 也 introduces the main clause result.

Unlike 虽然 (although), which refers to real situations, 即便 often introduces hypothetical or extreme scenarios. It appears frequently in formal speeches, essays, and news articles, making it an important conjunction for B2-level written expression.

Memory Hook

Think of 即便 as "immediately convenient" to concede: "EVEN IF conditions are inconvenient, the result stands."