Processing keyword: 尽管...还... (jǐnguǎn... hái...) - Despite... still...

Mandarin Grammar Point: 尽管...还... (jǐnguǎn... hái...) - Despite... still...

Grammar Point: 尽管...还... (jǐnguǎn... hái...) - Despite... still...

1. Introduction

The phrase 尽管...还... is used in Mandarin to express contrast. It conveys the idea of "despite" something occurring, another situation or action still holds true. This structure helps highlight resilience or a contradiction between two significant points.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Structure:
  • 尽管 (jǐnguǎn) means "despite" or "although".
  • It is followed by a situation (or condition).
  • 还 (hái) means "still".
  • It is followed by the result or action that continues to happen despite the situation.

Formation Diagram

尽管 [Situation]，还 [Result].

Visual Aid

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Structures

• 尽管...但是... (jǐnguǎn... dànshì...) - Although... but...
  • This structure contrasts two ideas but is more direct in stating a contradictory stance.
  • Example: 尽管很累，但我还要工作。(jǐnguǎn hěn lèi, dàn wǒ hái yào gōngzuò) - Although I am tired, I still want to work.
• 虽然...但是... (suīrán... dànshì...) - Though... but...
  • Similar to the above but often used in a more narrative or argumentative context.
  • Example: 虽然下雨了，但是我们还是去爬山。(suīrán xià yǔ le, dànshì wǒmen háishì qù páshān) - Though it rained, we still went hiking.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 尽管公司面临财务危机，经理还决定增加投资。
   • (jǐnguǎn gōngsī miànlín cáiwù wēijī, jīnglǐ hái juédìng zēngjiā tóuzī.)
   • Despite the company's financial crisis, the manager still decided to increase investment.
2. Informal:
   • 尽管外面下着雨，我还想去游泳。
   • (jǐnguǎn wàimiàn xiàzhe yǔ, wǒ hái xiǎng qù yóuyǒng.)
   • Despite the rain outside, I still want to go swimming.
3. Written:
   • 尽管时间紧迫，他们还完成了项目。
   • (jǐnguǎn shíjiān jǐnpò, tāmen hái wánchéng le xiàngmù.)
   • Despite the tight deadline, they still completed the project.
4. Spoken:
   • 尽管我很忙，我还会抽时间看电影。
   • (jǐnguǎn wǒ hěn máng, wǒ hái huì chōu shíjiān kàn diànyǐng.)
   • Despite being very busy, I still find time to watch movies.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Chinese culture, the ability to endure challenges and show persistence is highly valued. Using 尽管...还... expresses a positive trait of resilience.

Levels of Politeness

This structure is generally neutral in terms of politeness but can be adapted to more formal contexts depending on the vocabulary used around it.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 尽管如此 (jǐnguǎn rúcǐ) - Nevertheless, even so.
  • Example: 尽管如此，我们不能放弃。(jǐnguǎn rúcǐ, wǒmen bù néng fàngqì.) - Nevertheless, we cannot give up.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Confusing with “尽管...但是...”: Students often mistakenly use the structure to present a direct contradiction. Remember, 尽管...还... indicates a continuation despite the first part.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember "尽管 (despite)" wants to highlight prevailing situations, while "还 (still)" emphasizes ongoing results.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The structure 尽管...还... is used to highlight contrast, indicating that something continues to happen despite other circumstances.
• It can be used in formal, informal, written, or spoken contexts with appropriate variations.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate: 尽管很难，她还坚持学习。
2. Is 尽管...还... the same as 尽管...但是...? Explain your answer.
3. Create your own sentence using 尽管...还....

Answers:

1. Despite it being difficult, she still persists in studying.
2. No, 尽管...还... emphasizes continuity while 尽管...但是... states a direct contradiction.
3. [Your personalized response here.]