尽管 (jǐnguǎn) — although; even though; despite
HSK 5 | conjunction | introduces a concessive clause acknowledging a fact while contrasting it
尽管 (jǐnguǎn)
Although or even though introduces a concessive clause, acknowledging a fact or condition while showing that an unexpected or contrasting result still holds true.
Meanings
- [conjunction] although; even though; despite; in spite of (introduces a concessive clause)
- [adverb] feel free to; go ahead and (in a different usage: "don't hesitate to")
Example Sentences
尽管困难重重，他仍然坚持完成了任务。 Jǐnguǎn kùnnán zhòngzhòng, tā réngrán jiānchí wánchéngle rènwù. Although there were many difficulties, he still persisted and completed the task.
尽管天气恶劣，比赛照常进行。 Jǐnguǎn tiānqì èliè, bǐsài zhàocháng jìnxíng. Despite the bad weather, the competition proceeded as planned.
尽管我们意见不同，但我们依然是好朋友。 Jǐnguǎn wǒmen yìjiàn bùtóng, dàn wǒmen yīrán shì hǎo péngyǒu. Although we have different opinions, we are still good friends.
尽管他学习中文才一年，已经能流利地交谈了。 Jǐnguǎn tā xuéxí Zhōngwén cái yī nián, yǐjīng néng liúlì de jiāotánle. Even though he has only studied Chinese for one year, he can already converse fluently.
有什么问题，尽管来问我。 Yǒu shénme wèntí, jǐnguǎn lái wèn wǒ. If you have any questions, feel free to come and ask me.
尽管结果令人失望，过程中获得的经验是宝贵的。 Jǐnguǎn jiéguǒ lìng rén shīwàng, guòchéng zhōng huòdé de jīngyàn shì bǎoguì de. Although the result was disappointing, the experience gained in the process is valuable.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 尽管...但是/仍然/还是 (jǐnguǎn...dànshì/réngrán/háishi) | although...but/still |
| 尽管如此 (jǐnguǎn rúcǐ) | even so; despite this |
| 尽管困难 (jǐnguǎn kùnnán) | despite the difficulties |
| 尽管如何 (jǐnguǎn rúhé) | no matter how; whatever the case |
| 尽管放心 (jǐnguǎn fàngxīn) | feel free to relax; go ahead and relax |
| 尽管努力 (jǐnguǎn nǔlì) | despite efforts; feel free to try hard |
Usage Notes
尽管 has two distinct usages. First, as a concessive conjunction meaning "although/even though," it often pairs with 但 (but), 还是 (still), or 仍然 (still/nevertheless) in the following clause: 尽管...但是... / 尽管...还是... Second, as an adverb meaning "feel free to" or "go ahead and," it encourages someone to act without hesitation: 尽管说 (go ahead and say it).
Contrast 尽管 with 虽然...但是 (although...but), which has the same concessive meaning. 尽管 is slightly more emphatic and formal. Note that 尽管 does not require a 但是 in the following clause, though one is often present.
Memory Hook
尽管 literally means "to the fullest extent, manage/control" -- even if something is true "to the fullest extent," the result is still surprising. The contrast is maximized.