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即便 (jí biàn) — even if, even though (concessive conjunction, often paired with 也)

Definition

Conjunction meaning 'even if / even though', often paired with 也 in the result clause. More formal/written than 哪怕; the HSK 4 同义词 即使 is fully interchangeable with it.

conjunction
even ifeven though (concessive conjunction, often paired with 也)

Examples

  • 即便，。
    jí biàn Nǐ bù tóng yì, wǒ yě huì qù zuò.
    Even if you disagree, I will still do it.
  • 即便，。
    jí biàn Zài nán, wǒ men yě yào jiān chí xià qù.
    Even if it's even harder, we have to persist.
  • 即便，。
    jí biàn Tā bú zài, huì yì yě huì àn shí kāi shǐ.
    Even if he's not here's not here, the meeting will start on time.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

即jíeven
便biàneven

The 'even' senses of 即 and 便 reinforce each other to mean even if.

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 →

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

便 pairs 亻 (person) with 更 (to change), showing a person changing posture to become comfortable.

Open 便 →
Appears in
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