HSK 7

纵然⋯⋯ ,也⋯⋯

zòng rán ⋯ ⋯ , yě ⋯ ⋯

纵然⋯⋯ ,也⋯⋯ (Even though... still...)

Explanation

纵然……也…… (zòngrán……yě……) is a pair of conjunctions (words linking clauses) used in a concessive compound sentence (the first clause states a hypothetical condition, the second clause still keeps the result), meaning 'even if... still...', emphasizing that even if the hypothesis in the first clause becomes true, the conclusion in the second clause remains unchanged.

Structure

纵然 (zòngrán) + hypothetical situation + ,也 (yě - still) + result/stance.

When to use

when presenting a hypothesis and then affirming a resolute attitude toward it; it carries a written nuance (in books and documents), more formal than the colloquial 就算……也…… (jiùsuàn) or 即使……也…….

Distinguish

纵然 (zòngrán) leans toward the hypothetical 'even if it were so' (something not certain to happen), differing from 虽然 (suīrán - although), which states an existing fact; 纵然 is close in meaning to 即使 (jíshǐ) but more formal and classical in style.

Common mistakes

pairing 纵然 with 但是 (using it like 虽然……但是……); properly, 纵然 correlates with 也 (or 还); and using 纵然 for something that is already a fact (in which case one must use 虽然).

Examples

我们的意见纵然不一致,也应当互相理解。
mendejiànzòngránzhìyīngdāngxiāngjiě

Even if our opinions do not agree, we should still understand each other.

这事纵然不好,也是他们之间的事,就让他们自己处理吧。
zhèshìzòngránhǎoshìmenzhījiāndeshìjiùràngmenchǔba

Even if this matter is not good, it is still an affair between them, so let them handle it themselves.

Practice

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Learn “纵然⋯⋯ ,也⋯⋯” effectively

The grammar point “纵然⋯⋯ ,也⋯⋯” (纵然⋯⋯ ,也⋯⋯ (Even though... still...)) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.

Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.

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