即使…也… vs 虽然…但是…: what is the difference?
即使 concedes a hypothetical or extreme case (even if). 虽然 concedes a fact that is already true (although). So 即使明天下雨，我也去 is about a possible rain, and 虽然下雨了，但是我去了 is about real rain.
| Word | Pinyin | What it does | Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 即使…也… | jí shǐ…yě | Concedes an extreme or hypothetical case and says the result stays the same. | 即使 + extreme case, 也 + result |
| 虽然…但是… | suī rán … dàn shì | Admits a fact that is already true and then states the contrast, 'although'. | 虽然 + fact, 但是 + contrast |
即使…也… (jí shǐ…yě)
Concedes an extreme or hypothetical case and says the result stays the same.
Structure: 即使 + extreme case, 也 + result
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 即使工作再忙，他也坚持每天锻炼。 | Jí shǐ gōng zuò zài máng, tā yě jiān chí měi tiān duàn liàn. | However busy work is, he exercises every day. |
| 即使你不同意，我也会这样做。 | Jí shǐ nǐ bù tóng yì, wǒ yě huì zhè yàng zuò. | Even if you disagree, I will do it this way. |
| 即使价格便宜一半，我也不会买。 | Jí shǐ jià gé pián yi yí bàn, wǒ yě bú huì mǎi. | Even if the price were half, I would not buy it. |
Not: 即使天气很好，但是我们不去。 即使 pairs with 也, not 但是.
虽然…但是… (suī rán … dàn shì)
Admits a fact that is already true and then states the contrast, 'although'.
Structure: 虽然 + fact, 但是 + contrast
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 虽然天气很冷，但是很多人在跑步。 | Suī rán tiān qì hěn lěng, dàn shì hěn duō rén zài pǎo bù. | Although it is cold, many people are running. |
| 虽然他很忙，但是每天都陪孩子。 | Suī rán tā hěn máng, dàn shì měi tiān dōu péi hái zi. | Although he is busy, he spends time with his child every day. |
| 虽然这个菜很辣，但是我很喜欢。 | Suī rán zhè ge cài hěn là, dàn shì wǒ hěn xǐ huan. | Although this dish is spicy, I like it a lot. |
Not: 虽然天气不好，所以我们去了公园。 虽然 goes with 但是, not 所以: 虽然天气不好，但是我们去了公园。
Where this comes from
The comparison is part of Alternative, Conditional and Concessive Compound Sentences (HSK 6) in the grammar reference, which has the full explanation, more worked examples, and what to learn before and after it.
More pairs: 朝着 vs 向 · 从而 vs 进而 · 非…不可 vs 必须 · 格外 vs 非常 · 或多或少 vs 多多少少 · 鉴于 vs 出于 · 时而…时而… vs 一时…一时… · 阵 vs 次 · all 81 pairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 即使…也… and 虽然…但是…?
即使 concedes a hypothetical or extreme case (even if). 虽然 concedes a fact that is already true (although). So 即使明天下雨，我也去 is about a possible rain, and 虽然下雨了，但是我去了 is about real rain.
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