meskipun ... tetap ...
Concession with a Persisting Result
Use meskipun ... tetap ... to say "Although [X], [Y] still [happens]." It highlights that the outcome did not change despite the circumstances.
How It Works
The construction meskipun ... tetap ... is a hallmark of standard Indonesian (Bahasa Baku) used to express emphatic persistence.
1. Sentence Structure:
The meskipun clause can appear at the beginning or the end of the sentence. If it starts the sentence, a comma is used before the main clause. In this persistence model, tetap goes in the main clause before its predicate. This describes the displayed adverbial use, not every lexical use or possible position of tetap.
2. Nuance of 'Tetap':
While you can use meskipun alone to mean 'although,' adding tetap adds a layer of 'persistence.' It emphasizes that the situation continues despite the circumstance; the obstacle need not be objectively large.
3. Register:
This is standard in writing and speech. In casual conversation, meskipun is often shortened to meski, but the grammatical function remains the same.
4. Grammatical Constraints:
For this model, place tetap before the continuing predicate: dia tetap bekerja. In standard writing, do not pair meskipun with tetapi to connect the same concessive and main clauses. TBBI explicitly contrasts Meskipun hatinya sangat sedih, dia tidak pernah menangis with the redundant paired version. This is not a ban on both words occurring anywhere in a longer sentence with additional clauses.
Examples (4)
- Meskipun hari sudah malam, dia tetap bekerja di kantor.
Although it is already night, he/she is still working at the office.
Word by Word: Although day already night, he/she still work at office.
The obstacle (it is night) is introduced by 'meskipun', and the persistent action (working) is emphasized by 'tetap'.
- Meskipun harganya mahal, mobil itu tetap laku keras.
Even though the price is expensive, that car still sells very well.
Word by Word: Although price-its expensive, car that still sell hard.
Here, 'tetap' precedes the predicate 'laku keras' (sells well) to show the high price didn't stop the sales.
- Tim itu tetap semangat bertanding meskipun sudah tertinggal dua gol.
The team remains enthusiastic in the match even though they are already down by two goals.
Word by Word: Team that still spirit compete although already left-behind two goal.
The meskipun clause comes last. Tetap precedes the main predicate semangat bertanding, expressing continued enthusiasm for competing.
- Meskipun sedang sakit, Ibu tetap memasak untuk kami.
Even though she is currently sick, Mother is still cooking for us.
Word by Word: Although [progressive] sick, Mother still cook for us.
Tetap emphasizes that Mother continues cooking despite being ill. Dedication is a possible contextual interpretation, not part of the grammar itself.
Common Mistakes
Using both 'meskipun' and 'tetapi' in the same sentence.
Meskipun hujan, tetapi dia pergi.Meskipun hujan, dia tetap pergi.In this standard two-clause concessive model, meskipun introduces the concession and the main clause follows without tetapi. Tetap may emphasize persistence. The rule concerns pairing these markers across the same two clauses, not all co-occurrence in a longer sentence.
Placing 'tetap' at the end of the sentence.
Meskipun lelah, dia bekerja tetap.Meskipun lelah, dia tetap bekerja.To express continuing to work, place adverbial tetap before bekerja. Sentence-final tetap does not give the intended ordinary persistence reading in this model; other lexical constructions need their own analysis.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'meskipun... tetap...', you first need to understand the basic concessive marker 'meskipun' (although). This pattern pairs it with 'tetap' (still/remains) to emphasize that despite a certain condition, the outcome does not change. Familiarity with basic contrastive markers and words expressing continuity (like 'masih') provides the necessary foundation.
- meskipunConcession with Meskipun
The word 'meskipun' is the primary concessive marker used to introduce the obstacle or condition in this correlative structure.
Level 2 - masih + PredicateContinuing State with Masih
The concept of 'tetap' (still/remains) is functionally related to 'masih'; understanding how to express continuing states is essential for this pattern.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- walaupunConcession with Walaupun
Walaupun can replace meskipun in this basic concessive model.
Level 2 - tetapiContrast with Tetapi
Tetapi coordinates a contrast. In standard writing, avoid pairing it with meskipun across the same concession and main clause.
Level 1 - walaupun ... masih ...Concession with Continuing State
Masih and tetap can both describe continuing states or actions. Tetap highlights persistence despite a potential change; masih emphasizes that the situation continues to hold.
Level 4 - namunSentence-level Contrast with Namun
Namun can introduce a new contrasting sentence. It does not directly replace a subordinating meskipun clause without restructuring the sentence.
Level 4
Words in This Pattern
Practice meskipun ... tetap ... in Bubblegum
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