即使／哪怕……，也…… · 再……也……
even if A, still B · no matter how …, still …
Structure
即使／哪怕 + A ， 主语 + 也 + B · 再 + 形容词／动词 ， 主语 + 也 ……
What it means
即使 and 哪怕 mean “even if”: the result stays the same whatever happens. 再 + adjective + 也 means “however … it is, still …”.
How it is built
即使／哪怕 + A，subject + 也 + B: 即使下雨，比赛也要进行 (even if it rains, the race will go ahead). 再 + adjective／verb，(subject) + 也 + ……: 再忙也要吃饭 (however busy you are, you must eat).
When to use it
哪怕 is more spoken and likes small or extreme cases: 哪怕只有一个人. Unlike 虽然, which states a fact, 即使 usually imagines a case that may not happen.
Watch out
The second half needs 也, after its subject: ✗ 即使下雨，也我们去。 ✓ 即使下雨，我们也去。 For a fact that is already true, 虽然 is usually the better choice.
Examples
即使下雨，比赛也要进行。
Even if it rains, the race will still go ahead.
哪怕只吃一个，你也得尝尝粽子。
Even if it’s just one, you have to try a zongzi.
再累，大家也不能停下来。
However tired they are, nobody can stop.
Learn this in HSK 4 · Lesson 14: 端午节 (Dragon Boat Festival)
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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