即便

即便 is a conjunction meaning 'even if' or 'even though,' used to introduce a condition that might seem unlikely but is still considered in the context of the main clause.

The character 即 (jí) originally meant 'immediately' or 'at once,' and later came to mean 'if' or 'even if.' The character 便 (biàn) means 'then' or 'already,' and together they form a phrase expressing a hypothetical situation that is still acknowledged as true.

即便 is commonly used in Chinese to express contrast or concession, similar to 'even if' in English. It appears in both formal and informal contexts, often in written language or spoken dialogue where a condition is being considered despite its potential improbability.