Learning a new language isn’t an easy task. There are different sounds to utter, thousands of new words to remember, and a new alphabet to decipher. Every language bears its own difficulties, and so does Chinese: new syllables, characters instead of an alphabet, and precise pronunciation of four tones. But Chinese also has its advantages: concise sentences and clear grammatical structures. 即使 (Jíshǐ), for example.

即使means “even” or “even if”, and it used to emphasize contrast. 即使 usually appears in the construction“即使。。。也/还/都。。。”. In this construction, the first clause is a hypothetical supposition. The second clause contracts the anticipated implication of this supposition. 即使 is used for hypothetical situations, it represents assumption of concessions, while 也/还/都 represents action in spite this assumption. The translated construction is: even if [hypothetical situation will occur], [something will] still [be in process].

Practice the correct pronunciation of 即使 with the help of this video:

Let’s check out some examples:

即使是在大雨天， 他都会按时去学校。

Jíshǐ shì zài dà yǔtiān, tā dūhuì ànshí qù xuéxiào.

Even in a heavy rain, he is still able to get to school on time.

即使他受到了很大的压力，还是拒绝交出机密文件。

Jíshǐ tā shòudàole hěn dà de yālì, háishì jùjué jiāo chū jīmì wénjiàn.

Even under great pressure, he will refuse to hand over confidential documents.

即使不成功，他们也会支持你的。

Jíshǐ bu chénggōng, tāmen yě huì zhīchí nǐ de.

They will stand by you even if you don’t succeed.

即使你约会迟到了，我还是会等你到来。

Jíshǐ nǐ yuēhuì chídàole, wǒ háishì huì děng nǐ dàolái.

Even if you are late to our meeting, I will still wait for you.

即使下雨我也去。

Jíshǐ xià yǔ wǒ yě qù.

I’ll go anyway even if it rains.

即使条件再好，也还要靠自己努力。

Jíshǐ tiáojiàn zài hǎo, yě hái yào kào zìjǐ nǔlì.

No matter how favorable the conditions are, we’ll still rely on our own efforts.

即使跟我没有关系， 我也要管。

Jíshǐ gēn wǒ méiyǒu guānxì, wǒ yě yào guǎn.

I shall make it my business even if it has nothing to do with me.

即使很多人说他的做法是错误的，我还是相信他没有错。

Jíshǐ hěnduō rén shuō tā de zuòfǎ shì cuòwù de, wǒ háishì xiāngxìn tā méiyǒu cuò.

Even if many people will point out his approach as wrong, I will still believe he is right.

 

For more sentences for example with audio visit this site:

http://www.learnmandarinchinese.com/words/ji2shi3/

 

And remember –

好好学习，天天向上！

Hǎo hào xuéxí, tiāntiān xiàngshàng

Study hard, improve everyday!

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