HSK 5
即使⋯⋯，也⋯⋯
jí shǐ ⋯ ⋯ ， yě ⋯ ⋯
Using 即使⋯⋯，也⋯⋯ to express 'even if/still...'
Explanation
即使⋯⋯，也⋯⋯ is a concessive compound sentence (stating a hypothesis and then affirming that the result remains unchanged). 即使 (jíshǐ) = even if/supposing; 也 (yě) = still, all the same.
即使 + [hypothetical condition, often unfavorable]，[subject] + 也 + [unchanged result]. You can add 再 (zài = ...however much) to increase the degree: 即使...再晚，也...
When you want to say that no matter what difficult/extreme situation occurs, the result stays the same, in order to emphasize perseverance or a certain rule. 即使 states the hypothesis, 也 seals the unchanging result.
即使 is used for HYPOTHETICAL things (not necessarily happening), different from 尽管 (jǐnguǎn = although) used for REAL things. Compared with 虽然...但是... (although...but, for real facts), 即使...也... carries a stronger hypothetical tone.
If 即使 is in the first clause, the second clause must use 也 (not 但是). 也 goes before the verb/adjective, not at the head of the clause (correct: 也坚持工作). Do not confuse 即使 (hypothetical) with 尽管 (fact).
Examples
Even if the weather is bad, there will still be no shortage of people climbing the Great Wall.
Even when he is sick, he still persists in working.
No matter how late I sleep, I still wake up right on time at six in the morning.
Practice
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Learn “即使⋯⋯，也⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “即使⋯⋯，也⋯⋯” (Using 即使⋯⋯，也⋯⋯ to express 'even if/still...') is one of the key structures at HSK 5. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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