Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • Even though; although; despite the fact that: Used to introduce a subordinate clause that states a fact or situation which contrasts with or does not prevent the action of the main clause. It expresses concession.
   • Even if: Used to introduce a hypothetical situation that would not change the outcome stated in the main clause.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:
  • Dầu mà trời mưa, chúng tôi vẫn sẽ đi dã ngoại. (Even though it rains, we will still go on the picnic.)
  • Tôi sẽ ủng hộ anh ấy, dầu mà mọi người có phản đối. (I will support him, even if everyone objects.)
  • Dầu mà công việc khó khăn, cô ấy không bao giờ bỏ cuộc. (Although the work is difficult, she never gives up.)

Advanced Usage

• "Dầu mà... đi nữa" / "Dầu cho... đi nữa": A more emphatic structure meaning "even though...", "no matter how...".
  • Dầu mà anh có nói gì đi nữa, tôi cũng không tin. (No matter what you say, I still won't believe it.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dầu (conj): A shorter, sometimes more literary form of "dầu mà", meaning "although", "even if".

  • Dầu có chuyện gì xảy ra, hãy giữ bình tĩnh. (Whatever happens, please stay calm.)

• Dầu cho (conj): A synonym for "dầu mà", meaning "even though", "even if".

  • Dầu cho khó đến mấy, chúng ta cũng phải cố gắng. (No matter how hard it is, we must try.)

• Mặc dù (conj): The most common modern synonym, meaning "although", "despite the fact that".

• Tuy (conj): Another common synonym for "although".

Synonyms

• Although: In spite of the fact that.
• Even though: Emphasizing a surprising contrast.
• Despite the fact that: A more formal equivalent.
• Even if: Introducing a hypothetical concession.

Notes on Usage

• Formality and Tone: "Dầu mà" is considered more formal, literary, or slightly archaic compared to the more commonly used "mặc dù" or "tuy". It is often found in written texts, formal speech, or proverbs.
• Sentence Structure: The clause introduced by "dầu mà" can come before or after the main clause. When it comes first, it often emphasizes the concessive condition.
• Hypothetical vs. Factual: It can be used for both factual contrasts ("even though it is raining") and hypothetical ones ("even if it were to rain").