哪怕
nǎ pà HSK 5

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

哪怕下雨,我也要去。
Nǎpà xiàyǔ, wǒ yě yào qù.
Even if it rains, I will still go.
哪怕很忙,他也会帮忙。
Nǎpà hěn máng, tā yě huì bāngmáng.
Even though he is very busy, he will still help.
哪怕贵一点,我也买。
Nǎpà guì yīdiǎn, wǒ yě mǎi.
Even if it's a bit expensive, I will buy it.
哪怕下雨,我也去。
Nǎpà xià yǔ, wǒ yě qù.
Even if it rains, I will go.
哪怕很贵,我也买。
Nǎpà hěn guì, wǒ yě mǎi.
Even if it's expensive, I will buy it.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 哪怕 as 'nah,怕' – as in 'nah, I'm not afraid even if...' to remember it introduces a condition you're undeterred by. The 哪 (nǎ) sounds like 'nah' in English, and 怕 (pà) means 'afraid', so together it's like saying 'not afraid even if'.

📝 Usage Notes

It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, in informal to semi-formal contexts. It often appears in persuasive or motivational statements, expressing strong will, promises, or advice, such as in personal goals, encouragement, or hypothetical discussions.

📖 Grammar Points

Typically used in the pattern '哪怕 + hypothetical condition, + 也/都 + result', where the result occurs despite the condition. For example, '哪怕熬夜,我也要写完论文' (Even if I have to stay up late, I will finish this paper). It can also be paired with 再 to emphasize degree, as in '哪怕再难' (even if it's more difficult).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 哪怕 reflects values of perseverance and hard work, often used to inspire effort in academics, careers, or personal challenges. It aligns with proverbs like '滴水穿石' (constant effort brings success), emphasizing persistence against odds.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to 即使 (jíshǐ) and 就算 (jiùsuàn), which also mean 'even if', but 哪怕 is more colloquial and emphatic, often conveying a stronger emotional tone or determination. 即使 is more formal and neutral, while 就算 is casual and common in speech.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn 哪怕 in CILI →

Related Words