"But" StatementsHSK 5
Expressing "although" with 尽管
尽管 (jǐnguǎn) means "although" or "even though." Use it at the beginning of the first clause, followed by a comma. The second clause often includes 还是 (háishì) to mean "still," and you can add 可是 (kěshì) or 但是 (dànshì) before the subject for extra emphasis.
Structure
尽管 + ... ，Subj. + 还是 + ...
尽管 + ... ，可是 / 但是 + Subj. + 还是 + ...
可是 or 但是 is optional and adds extra contrast
Examples
- 尽管很多人批评他，他还是坚持这么做。Jǐnguǎn hěn duō rén pīpíng tā, tā háishì jiānchí zhème zuò.Despite the fact that many people criticize him, he still insists on doing it.
- 尽管老板最近不在，我们还是不能偷懒。Jǐnguǎn lǎobǎn zuìjìn bù zài, wǒmen háishì bù néng tōulǎn.Despite the fact that the boss hasn't been around lately, we still can't get lazy.
- 尽管困难很多，但是我们不能放弃。Jǐnguǎn kùnnan hěn duō, dànshì wǒmen bù néng fàngqì.Even though there are many difficulties, we can't just give up.
- 尽管警察已经找到了一些证据，但是他们还是不能抓那个嫌疑人。Jǐnguǎn jǐngchá yǐjīng zhǎodào le yīxiē zhèngjù, dànshì tāmen háishì bù néng zhuā nàge xiányírén.Even though the police have already found some evidence, they still can't arrest the suspect.
- 尽管他的书很有争议，但它还是出版了。Jǐnguǎn tā de shū hěn yǒu zhēngyì, dàn tā háishì chūbǎn le.Even though his book is very controversial, it was still published.