zeon6 gun2盡管尽管
Definition
Despite; in spite of; although; even though.
How it's used
Functions primarily as a conjunction to introduce a concessive clause, similar to 'even though' or 'despite the fact that'. It is frequently paired with 都 or 依然 in the subsequent clause to emphasize the persistence of an action or state. While it appears in both formal writing and speech, it carries a slightly more deliberate or emphatic tone than simply using 雖然.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with 儘管, which is a common variant in written Chinese but is pronounced differently in some contexts; however, in Cantonese, they are often used interchangeably in writing. Be careful not to use it as a direct translation for 'despite' when followed by a noun phrase, as it requires a full clause to sound natural.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
