即使如此 (jí shǐ rú cǐ) — even so, nevertheless, even then

Definition

A concessive connector meaning 'even so / nevertheless' — it concedes a prior point but pivots to a contrasting conclusion. Often used to soften a contradiction with the preceding clause.

verb

even soneverthelesseven then

Examples

即使如此，。
jí shǐ rú cǐ, Wǒ men yě bù néng fàng qì nǔ lì.
Even so, we cannot give up our efforts.
，即使如此，。
Tā fàn le cuò wù, jí shǐ rú cǐ, dà jiā hái shì xìn rèn tā.
He made a mistake; even so, everyone still trusts him.
即使如此，。
jí shǐ rú cǐ, Zhè ge fāng àn réng rán zhí dé yí shì.
Even so, this plan is still worth a try.

Origin

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

皀皀jíancient round-mouthed food vessel
卩卩jiéto kneel

即 pairs 皀 (an ancient round-mouthed food vessel) with 卩 (to kneel), showing someone kneeling near the vessel to eat, so it means to come near or approach.

Open 即 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

亻吏使

Meaning part形符xíngfú

亻Written in full as人rén

Sound part声符shēngfú

吏

吏lì使shǐ

Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

使 pairs 亻 (person) with 吏, which pictures a hand holding something like a flag, giving the sense of a representative or ambassador.

Open 使 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.