多重复句
sentences with three or more layers of clauses
Structure
如果 A ， 却 B ， 那么即使 C ， 也 D ， 因为 E
What it means
A long sentence of three or more clauses in which one logical relation (cause, condition, contrast, concession) is nested inside another.
How it is built
Nest pairs inside pairs: 这个村子虽然偏僻，但是因为风景美，所以来的人很多 (the village is remote, but the scenery is lovely, so many people come). 虽然…但是 is the top layer; 因为…所以 sits inside its second half.
When to use it
Typical of written argument and formal speech; in conversation the same thought is usually split into two or three shorter sentences. To read one, find the top-level pair of connectives first and work inwards.
Watch out
Keep every pair complete, in its own layer, and don't mix halves of different pairs. ✗ 即使…但是 ✓ 即使…也. ✗ 只要…才 ✓ 只有…才 or 只要…就.
Examples
如果一个人知道应该孝顺父母，却从没做到，那么即使他道理讲得再好，也不算真懂，因为知道了不去做，归根到底就是还不知道。
If someone knows they should be good to their parents but never actually is, then however well they can explain it, they do not truly understand, because to know and not act is, in the end, not yet to know.
这个村子虽然偏僻，但是因为风景太美，所以即使要多走两个小时山路，也有很多人专门赶来。
This village may be out of the way, but the scenery is so beautiful that plenty of people make the trip specially, even if it means two extra hours on mountain paths.
即使开始时进步很慢，也不要急躁，因为只要方法对，语言能力就会一点一点积累起来。
Even if progress is slow at first, do not be impatient, because as long as your method is right, your command of the language will build up bit by bit.
Learn this in Lesson 98 · HSK 6–7: 王阳明与知行合一 (Wang Yangming: knowing is doing)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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