Conjunction 即使...也

This pattern has two distinct parts that work together. The first part starts with 即使. This word introduces a condition or a "what if" scenario. This scenario is usually something that might stop a normal person. The second part starts with 也. This word introduces the result that remains unchanged. In English, we often say "even if A, B still happens." In Chinese, the 也 is the glue that holds it together. You cannot have the "even if" without the "still." It is like a pair of shoes. You need both to walk correctly. It creates a sense of contrast. The condition is difficult, but the action is certain. It is very common in daily life. You will hear it in songs and movies constantly. It is a great way to express your personality.

1. 1Start your sentence with the word 即使.
2. 2Add the hypothetical condition or situation right after it.
3. 3Place a comma to give the sentence a breath.
4. 4Place the subject of the second clause next.
5. 5Add the word 也 immediately after the subject.
6. 6Finish with the verb or the result.
7. 7Note: You can also put the subject before 即使. Both 即使我也... and 我也即使... are possible, but the first way is much more common for beginners. Just remember that 也 must always come before the verb in the second part.

Use this when you want to talk about the future. Use it for scenarios that haven't happened yet. It is perfect for making promises. For example, "Even if I am busy, I will call you." It is also great for shopping. "Even if it is expensive, I will buy it." Use it when you want to sound stubborn or very committed. It works well in job interviews too. "Even if the work is hard, I will learn." It shows you are a hard worker. You can use it to describe your habits. "Even if I am tired, I exercise." It is a very versatile tool for your Chinese toolkit.

Do not use this for things that are definitely happening right now. If it is currently raining, do not use 即使. Use 虽然 instead. 即使 is for the "imaginary" world or "possible" world. It is for things that might happen. If you are already at the party, don't say "Even if I go." You are already there! Also, do not use it if the result actually changes. If the rain stops you, this grammar is not for you. This grammar is only for the unstoppable. It is like a train on a track. It doesn't care about the weather. If you care about the weather, use a different pattern.

One big mistake is forgetting the 也. English speakers often forget it because "still" is optional in English. In Chinese, 也 is mandatory. Your sentence will feel "naked" without it. Another mistake is using 但是 (but). You might want to say "Even if it's cold, but I go." This is wrong in Chinese. 即使 and 但是 are like oil and water. They do not mix. Just use 也. A third mistake is putting 也 in the wrong place. It must go after the subject and before the verb. Don't put it at the very end of the sentence. That would be a grammar traffic jam! Even native speakers might slip up, but you can be better.

The biggest rival to 即使...也 is 虽然...但是. They look similar but they are different. 虽然 (Suīrán) is for facts. It means "Although." Use it when something is actually true. "Although it is raining (and it is), I am going." 即使 (Jíshǐ) is for "Even if." Use it when you are imagining. "Even if it rains (maybe it will), I will go." Think of 虽然 as a photo of reality. Think of 即使 as a drawing of a possibility. Another similar one is 就是...也. This is just a more casual, spoken version of 即使. You can use them almost the same way.