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HSK 2.0 Level 4+ HSK 3.0 Level 4+ 6 min read

即使...也... and 就是...也... for “Even If”

Use 即使 or 就是 to imagine a difficult case, then 也 to say the result still holds.

Pattern

即使/就是 + supposed case，(subject +) 也 + result

即使 and 就是 mean “even if.” The first clause imagines a case, often an extreme one; the second clause, with 也, says the result will not change. 即使 is neutral to formal; 就是 is spoken.

即使明天下雨，比赛也会继续。

When to use 即使...也... and 就是...也... for “Even If”

即使 or 就是 opens a clause that imagines a situation, which may not be true: 即使明天下雨 (even if it rains tomorrow). The second clause gives a result that stays the same anyway, with 也 after its subject and before the verb: 比赛也会继续. The case can also be an extreme real one: 即使是周末，他也很早起床. 就是 works the same way in everyday speech, and often goes with 再 for “no matter how”: 就是再难，我也要学下去.

就是你不说，我也知道。

Even if you don’t tell me, I know.

即使很忙，他也每天坚持锻炼。

Even when he’s busy, he exercises every day.

就是再难，我也要学下去。

However hard it gets, I’ll keep learning.

即使是周末，他也很早起床。

Even on weekends, he gets up early.

Common traps

  • Use 也, not 但是, in the second clause: 即使很忙，他也来.
  • 也 goes after the subject: 比赛也会继续, not 也比赛会继续.
  • Use 虽然 for a real fact and 即使/就是 for a supposed case.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

即使很忙，他 每天坚持锻炼

Even when he’s busy, he exercises every day
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