zung3 jin4縱然纵然
Jyutpingzung3 jin4
Yalejung yìhn
Definition
Even though, even if, or although.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to the everyday 雖然 or 就算. It is frequently encountered in written media, formal speeches, or when someone wants to add a touch of emphasis to a concession. While perfectly understandable in speech, it is less common in casual conversation than its alternatives.
Examples
Even though he is very rich, he cannot buy back his health.
Even if the weather is terrible, we still have to set off as planned.
Related words
Common phrases
even so; nevertheless
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use it in very casual settings where 就算 or 即使 would sound more natural. It is not a word you would typically use when chatting with friends about trivial daily matters.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
