Even If (即使...也)
即使...也
The pattern 即使...也 expresses a concessive meaning: even if a hypothetical or extreme condition is true, the result in the main clause still holds.
Pattern
即使 + Condition, Subject + 也 + Result
Explanation
即使...也 is used when you want to say "even if X happens, Y is still the case." The first clause introduced by 即使 presents a condition — often hypothetical, extreme, or unlikely — and the second clause with 也 states that the outcome remains unchanged regardless.
This pattern is stronger than 虽然...但是 because it deals with hypothetical or extreme scenarios rather than known facts. Use 虽然...但是 when the concession is a real, established situation, and 即使...也 when the situation is imagined, assumed, or pushed to an extreme to make a point.
In formal writing, 即使 can be replaced by 即便 or 纵使 with the same meaning. In spoken Chinese, 就算...也 is a more colloquial alternative. The 也 in the second clause is essential and should not be omitted.
Examples
即使下雨，我也要去跑步。
Jíshǐ xià yǔ, wǒ yě yào qù pǎobù.
Even if it rains, I still want to go running.
即使他不同意，我们也得这样做。
Jíshǐ tā bù tóngyì, wǒmen yě děi zhèyàng zuò.
Even if he disagrees, we still have to do it this way.
即使工作再忙，你也应该注意身体。
Jíshǐ gōngzuò zài máng, nǐ yě yīnggāi zhùyì shēntǐ.
Even if work is extremely busy, you should still pay attention to your health.
即使失败了，我们也不会放弃。
Jíshǐ shībài le, wǒmen yě bú huì fàngqì.
Even if we fail, we will not give up.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
即使下雨，我要去跑步。
Correct
即使下雨，我也要去跑步。
The adverb 也 in the second clause is required. Without it the concessive meaning is lost.
Wrong
虽然明天下雨，我也去。
Correct
即使明天下雨，我也去。
Use 即使 for hypothetical situations. 虽然 is for facts that are already true or known.
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