HSK 4 即使 vs 尽管
even if (hypothetical) vs despite (factual)
Comparison / 对比
| 即使 jíshǐ | 尽管 jǐnguǎn | |
|---|---|---|
| Reality | Hypothetical: may not be true | Factual: already true |
| Meaning | Even if (假设): hasn't happened yet | Despite (让步): already happened |
| Pair with | 即使…也… | 尽管…但是/还是… |
| Example | 即使下雨我也去 (even if it rains) | 尽管下着雨他还是去了 (despite the rain) |
Examples / 例句
Fill in the Blank / 填空练习
Type the correct word to complete each sentence. Press Enter or click Check.
Quick Quiz / 小测验
Real HSK 4 Test Questions Using 即使 or 尽管 / 真题示例
2 actual HSK 4 questions from our mock exams that test the 即使 vs 尽管 distinction:
即使 vs 尽管 FAQ
Are 即使 and 尽管 interchangeable in HSK 4?
No. Although 即使 (jíshǐ) and 尽管 (jǐnguǎn) translate similarly into English, HSK 4 fill-in-the-blank and listening questions test exactly the distinction between them. 即使 = EVEN IF (hypothetical, 假设 — the situation has NOT happened yet or may not happen).
How is 即使 vs 尽管 tested in HSK 4?
Most often in HSK 4 阅读 (reading) Part 1 选词填空 (Q46-55), where you choose the correct word for a blank in a sentence. Also appears in 听力 (listening) where the speaker uses one but the printed answer paraphrases with the other. Master both 即使 and 尽管 collocations to lock in these points.
What's the quickest way to remember 即使 vs 尽管?
即使 = EVEN IF (hypothetical, 假设 — the situation has NOT happened yet or may not happen). 尽管 = DESPITE (factual, 事实 — the situation IS true or HAS happened). Check: has it happened? Yes → 尽管. Not yet / might not → 即使. This is one of the most tested distinctions at HSK 4. Practice 3-5 fill-in-blank questions in our HSK 4 mock exams to lock the distinction.