Meaning of 尽管
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- despite
- although
- even though
- in spite of
- unhesitatingly
- do not hesitate (to ask, complain etc)
- (go ahead and do it) without hesitating
How to use 尽管
As a conjunction, 尽管 starts a concession clause and is usually followed by 但是 or 还是 in the next clause. As an adverb before a verb, it means "feel free to, don't hesitate." Example: 尽管下雨，他还是来了。(Jǐnguǎn xià yǔ, tā háishi lái le.) Even though it was raining, he still came.
尽 (jǐn) means to the limit and 管 (guǎn) means to take care of or bother about. So 尽管 is "go to the limit, don't worry about it," which gives both "feel free to" and "even though."
Common mistake: Learners mix up 尽管 with 不管 (bùguǎn). 尽管 means "although" and refers to a real fact. 不管 means "no matter what" and needs a question word or options, as in 不管多忙. Also say jǐn in the third tone here, not jìn as in 尽力 (jìnlì).
尽管 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
尽 jìn · to use up · 6 strokes
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管 guǎn · to take care · 14 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 尽管.
| 尽量 | jǐnliàng | as much as possible; to the greatest extent |
| 管理 | guǎnlǐ | to supervise; to manage |
| 不管 | bùguǎn | not to be concerned; regardless of |
| 尽快 | jǐnkuài | as quickly as possible; as soon as possible |
| 尽力 | jìnlì | to strive one's hardest; to spare no effort |
| 吸管 | xīguǎn | (drinking) straw; pipette |
| 主管 | zhǔguǎn | in charge; responsible for |
| 尽可能 | jìn kěnéng | as far as possible; to the best of one's ability |
| 只管 | zhǐguǎn | solely engrossed in one thing; just (one thing, no need to worry about the rest) |
| 管道 | guǎndào | tubing; pipeline |
| 血管 | xuèguǎn | vein; artery |
| 看管 | kānguǎn | to look after |
Questions about 尽管
What does 尽管 mean?
尽管 (jǐnguǎn) means "despite; although" and is used as a adverb and conjunction.
How do you write 尽管?
尽管 is made of 2 characters: 尽 (6 strokes), 管 (14 strokes). That is 20 strokes in total.
Is 尽管 an HSK word?
Yes. 尽管 is on the HSK 5 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 尽管 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 尽管 is written 儘管.
How do I use 尽管 to mean "feel free to"?
Put 尽管 directly before the verb, often with 吧 or 好了 at the end. For example, 有问题尽管问。(Yǒu wèntí jǐnguǎn wèn.) If you have questions, just ask. It sounds warm and encouraging.
What is the difference between 尽管 and 虽然?
Both mean "although" and pair with 但是 or 还是. 虽然 is more common in everyday speech. 尽管 sounds a bit stronger and more formal, and it also has the adverb meaning "feel free to," which 虽然 does not have.