即使...都...

Even if (Formal)

Level 5Sounds Like zik1 si2 . . . dou1 . . .

即使 (zik1 si2) ... 都 (dou1) ... is the formal way to say 'even if'. It is used in writing, speeches, and professional settings to show that a result remains true regardless of a specific condition.

How It Works

The structure follows a flexible sequence: (Subject) + 即使 (zik1 si2) + (Subject) + [Condition], [Subject] + 都 (dou1) + [Result]. Unlike some other conjunctions, the subject can appear either before or after 即使 (e.g., 我即使好忙... or 即使我好忙...).

Key characteristics include:

  • The 'Dou' Requirement: The adverb 都 (dou1) is almost always required in the second clause. In extremely formal or academic contexts, the correlate 亦 (jik6) can sometimes replace 都 (dou1).
  • Subject Omission: If the subject is the same in both the 'even if' clause and the result clause, it is typically omitted in the second clause to sound more natural.
  • Register: This is a formal pattern. You will hear it on the news or in academic contexts. For casual speech, learners should become confident with 就算...都... instead.
  • Intensified Concession: You will often see this paired with 幾 (gei2) or 再 (zoi3) to mean 'no matter how...'. This sub-pattern is most natural when the first clause ends with 都好 (dou1 hou2). For example: 即使幾辛苦都好 (zik1 si2 gei2 san1 fu2 dou1 hou2) - 'No matter how hard it is...'.
  • Hypothetical vs. Factual: While primarily used for hypothetical situations, it can add rhetorical emphasis to facts. For standard 'although' statements regarding facts, 雖然...但係... is more common.

Examples (4)

  1. 即使聽日落雨，我哋都照樣出發。

    Even if it rains tomorrow, we will set off as planned.

    Word by Word: Even if tomorrow fall rain, we all according to-pattern set out.

    This demonstrates a hypothetical future condition. Note the use of 都 (dou1) to anchor the second clause.

  2. 即使面對巨大困難，我哋都唔會放棄。

    Even if we face great difficulties, we will not give up.

    Word by Word: Even if face huge difficulty, we all not will give up.

    This is a classic formal sentence structure often found in speeches or professional contexts.

  3. 即使佢好忙，都每日抽時間運動。

    Even though he is very busy, he still makes time to exercise every day.

    Word by Word: Even if he very busy, all every day pull time exercise.

    When the subject is the same in both clauses, it is usually omitted in the second clause for better flow.

  4. 即使你唔同意，我都一定要噉做。

    Even if you don't agree, I must do it this way.

    Word by Word: Even if you not agree, I all definitely must so do.

    This shows a strong personal stance, using the formal register to sound more serious or firm.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaving out 都 in the second clause, which reads as written style.

    Different Meaning即使落雨，我會去。
    即使落雨，我都去。

    即使落雨，我會去 is fine in writing, but in Cantonese the concessive pattern normally takes 都 (dou1) in the second clause (我都去). Without it the sentence sounds like Written Chinese.

  • Using '但是' (daan6 si6) instead of '都' (dou1).

    即使好貴，但是我想買。
    即使好貴，我都想買。

    Learners often confuse this with the 'Although... but' pattern. 即使 (zik1 si2) pairs with 都 (dou1), not with contrastive conjunctions like 'but'.

  • Using the formal '即使' in very casual, slangy contexts.

    即使佢好型，我都唔騷佢。
    就算佢好型，我都唔騷佢。

    Mixing formal grammar with slang (like 騷 sou1 - to pay attention to) sounds jarring. Use 就算 (zau6 syun3) for casual speech.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

即使...都...Level 5Even if (Formal)

Learn This First

To understand '即使...都...', learners need to be familiar with the basic 'even if' logic used in colloquial Cantonese (就算...都...) and the role of '都' as a correlative marker. Since '即使' is a formal term, familiarity with the distinction between spoken and written registers is also necessary.

Words in This Pattern

即使