纵然 zòngrán even if
even if; even though
How to remember 纵然: 纵 to indulge in + 然 however = even if.
Characters
How it is used
- A written 'even if / even though' - 纵然失败,也值得一试 (zòngrán shībài, yě zhídé yī shì) even if it fails, it's worth a try.
- Synonym of 即使 (jíshǐ) but more literary; usually paired with 也 (yě) in the main clause.
- Reserve it for formal or essay-style writing; in speech people say 即使 or 就算 (jiùsuàn).