How to use 尽管
尽管 + fact，subject + 但是 / 还是 + contrasting result
尽管 introduces a fact that might seem to prevent the outcome in the next clause. The second part shows that the outcome holds anyway, creating a concessive relationship. English may use although, even though, or despite depending on the sentence. The first clause normally presents accepted circumstances rather than an uncertain condition imagined for the sake of argument.
The contrasting clause can contain 但是, 但, or 还是, with 还是 emphasizing persistence despite the difficulty. The subject may precede 尽管 or occur inside its clause when the structure permits. Pronounce this 尽 with third tone, jǐn. This lesson covers concession; other uses of 尽管 can invite someone to act freely.
Examples with pinyin and English
尽管很多人批评他，他还是坚持这么做。
Despite the fact that many people criticize him, he still insists on doing it.
尽管老板最近不在，我们还是不能偷懒。
Despite the fact that the boss hasn't been around lately, we still can't get lazy.
尽管困难很多， 但是我们不能放弃。
Even though there are many difficulties, we can't just give up.
尽管我很生气， 但是我没发脾气。
Even though I was angry, I didn't lose my temper.
What to remember
- Use 尽管 before an accepted obstacle or fact.
- Use 还是 when persistence is the focus.
- Pronounce the construction jǐnguǎn.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.