Concessive Compound: 就算/就是……也……
就算/就是……，也……
Use 就算/就是...也... to express concession — "even if X happens, Y still holds true"
就算 or 就是 introduces a hypothetical or extreme condition. 也 in the second clause signals that the result holds regardless. The pattern conveys strong determination or inevitability.
就算 and 就是 are largely interchangeable in this pattern, though 就算 is slightly more common in spoken Chinese. Both are stronger than 即使, which is more literary. This pattern often implies the speaker has already considered the worst case.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Concessive Compound: 就算/就是……也…… (就算/就是……，也……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 就算/就是……，也…… pattern
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Understanding 就算/就是……，也……
The 就算/就是...也... pattern is the everyday Chinese way to say "even if." It acknowledges a difficult or extreme scenario and then declares that the outcome will not change. This is a concessive compound sentence — you concede a point but hold your ground. For instance, 就算下大雨，我也要去 means "Even if it pours, I am still going." The power of this pattern is its defiance: it tells the listener that no matter how bad the condition gets, the speaker's resolve (or the truth of the statement) remains unshaken. It is extremely common in both spoken and written Chinese and is essential for expressing determination, making arguments, and describing hypothetical scenarios.
Key Points
- 就算 (jiùsuàn) and 就是 (jiùshì) both mean "even if" in this pattern.
- 也 (yě) is required in the second clause to signal "still / nevertheless."
- The condition after 就算/就是 is often hypothetical or represents an extreme case.
- This pattern is stronger and more colloquial than 即使...也..., which is more formal.
- 就算 is slightly more common in speech; 就是 adds a touch more emphasis.
Chinese speakers frequently use this pattern to show 决心 (juéxīn, determination). In a culture that values perseverance (坚持, jiānchí), expressing that you will do something "even if" the worst happens demonstrates admirable resolve. You will hear it in motivational speeches, arguments between friends, and parents encouraging children.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
就算成绩最好的同学也无法回答这个问题。
Even the top student cannot answer this question.
就是你想马上瘦下来也不能每天不吃饭。
Even if you want to lose weight immediately, you cannot skip meals every day.
就算他错了你也不能说他，他还小呢。
Even if he is wrong, you cannot scold him — he is still young.
就算下大雪，我也要按时到公司。
Even if it snows heavily, I will arrive at the office on time.
就是你不同意，我也要试一试。
Even if you disagree, I still want to give it a try.
就算工作再忙，也应该抽时间陪家人。
Even if work is extremely busy, you should still make time for family.
就算全世界都反对，我也不会放弃。
Even if the whole world is against me, I will not give up.
就是免费的东西也不一定值得拿。
Even free things are not necessarily worth taking.
Common Mistakes
也 is essential in the result clause. Without it, the concessive meaning ("even so, still") is lost.
Do not mix 就算...也... with 虽然...但是.... They are different patterns. 就算 pairs with 也, not 但是.
就算 and 就是 are alternatives — do not stack them together. Choose one.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 就算/就是 as "let us suppose the worst" and 也 as "even then, my answer is..."
To sound more literary or formal, swap 就算 for 即使 — the structure stays the same.
This pattern is perfect for debates and arguments: concede the opponent's strongest point, then counter with 也.
Practice with everyday dilemmas: 就算加班到很晚，我也要把报告写完。
Homework
Write six 就算/就是...也... sentences: two showing personal determination, two conceding a point in an argument, and two describing hypothetical extreme situations. Use 就算 in three and 就是 in three to practice both.