即使 (jíshǐ)

即使 sets up a "what if" scenario. It deals with possibilities, not always facts. Think of it as a bridge. On one side, you have a condition. This condition might be difficult or unlikely. On the other side, you have a result. This result happens regardless of the condition. The most important thing to remember is the partner word. 即使 almost always works with 也. Without 也, the sentence feels like a sandwich without bread. It just doesn't hold together. You use 即使 at the start of the first clause. You use 也 before the verb in the second clause. It creates a logical flow that native speakers expect. Even if the world ends, I will still finish my coffee. That is the energy of 即使.

1. 1Using this grammar is like building with blocks. Follow these simple steps:
2. 2Start with 即使.
3. 3Add your hypothetical condition (the "even if" part).
4. 4Add a comma to catch your breath.
5. 5Start the second part with the subject.
6. 6Add 也 right before the verb.
7. 7Finish with the result.
8. 8Structure: 即使 + [Condition] + 也 + [Result]
9. 9Example: 即使下雨 (Even if it rains), 我也去 (I will still go).

Use 即使 when you want to look into the future. It is perfect for making plans that won't change. Use it in a job interview to show grit. "Even if the work is hard, I will learn." Use it when ordering food if you have allergies. "Even if it tastes good, I cannot eat it." It is great for romantic promises too. "Even if we are far apart, I will call you." It shows that your choice is stronger than the circumstances. It is the grammar of a person with a plan. Think of it as your "no excuses" word. It works well in both formal and casual settings.

Do not use 即使 for things that are definitely happening right now. If it is currently raining outside, you shouldn't use 即使. If you are already at work, don't use it to describe your current state. It is strictly for "suppose this happens" or "even if this were the case." Also, avoid using it without 也. Many learners try to use 但是 (but) or 还 (still) instead. While they make sense in English, they sound wrong in Chinese. Stick to the 即使...也... pair. It is a set deal. Like a grammar traffic light, it tells the listener exactly where the sentence is going.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes, but usually, it's learners! The biggest mistake is forgetting 也. You might say 即使很累，我不睡觉. This sounds very "broken" to a Chinese ear. It must be 即使很累，我也下班. Another mistake is mixing it up with 虽然. 虽然 is for facts. 即使 is for hypotheticals. If you say 即使今天下雨了 (Even if it rained today) but it actually did rain, you are using the wrong word. You should use 虽然. Don't worry, it takes practice. Just remember: 即使 is for the "maybe" or the "extreme," not the "definitely happened."

Let's look at 即使 versus 虽然. This is the most common point of confusion. Think of 虽然 (suīrán) as the "Reality Word." It means "Although." You use it for things that are true. "Although it is raining (and it is!), I am going out." Think of 即使 as the "Imagination Word." "Even if it rains (maybe it will, maybe it won't), I will go out."

• 虽然 = Fact-based. It happened or is happening.
• 即使 = Condition-based. It might happen or is an extreme example.

Another one is 如果 (rúguǒ). 如果 just means "If." It is neutral. 即使 is like "If" on steroids. It implies that the condition is a hurdle, but you are jumping over it anyway.