Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • Even if, although, though: A concessive conjunction used to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses a condition or circumstance that does not prevent the action in the main clause from happening. It is synonymous with "dù," "tuy," or "mặc dù" but often carries a slightly more literary or formal tone.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:
  • Dẫu trời mưa to, chúng tôi vẫn sẽ đi. (Even if it rains heavily, we will still go.)
  • Anh ấy vẫn lạc quan, dẫu gặp nhiều khó khăn. (He remains optimistic, although he faces many difficulties.)
  • Dẫu biết là khó, cô ấy vẫn quyết tâm thử. (Though she knew it was difficult, she was still determined to try.)

Advanced Usage

• "Dẫu cho": This is a more emphatic variant, meaning "even if," "even though."
  • Dẫu cho anh có nói gì, tôi cũng không tin. (Even if you say anything, I still won't believe it.)
• "Dẫu rằng" / "Dẫu là": These forms are also used to mean "although it is the case that."
  • Dẫu rằng công việc vất vả, nhưng tôi thấy rất vui. (Although the work is hard, I find it very enjoyable.)
• "Dẫu sao": This is a fixed phrase meaning "anyway," "in any case," or "after all." It is used to introduce a concluding or summarizing statement.
  • Dẫu sao thì chúng ta cũng đã cố gắng hết sức. (Anyway, we have tried our best.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dù: Conjunction. The most common and versatile synonym for "even if," "although." Less formal than "dẫu."
  • Dù thế nào đi nữa... (No matter what happens...)
• Tuy / Mặc dù: Conjunctions. Common synonyms for "although," "even though." Often paired with "nhưng" (but) in the main clause.
  • Tuy trễ nhưng anh ấy vẫn đến. (Although he was late, he still came.)
• Cho dù: Conjunction. A synonym for "even if," similar in emphasis to "dẫu cho."
  • Cho dù có chuyện gì xảy ra, hãy giữ bình tĩnh. (Whatever happens, stay calm.)

Synonyms

• Even if: Ngay cả khi, dù.
• Although / Though: Mặc dù, tuy.
• Granted that: Cho rằng.

Related Phrases

• Dẫu thế nào chăng nữa: No matter what, however it may be.
  • Dẫu thế nào chăng nữa, tôi vẫn ủng hộ bạn. (No matter what, I still support you.)
• Dẫu có... đi nữa: Even if there is... (emphatic structure).
  • Dẫu có khó khăn đi nữa, chúng ta không được bỏ cuộc. (Even if there are difficulties, we must not give up.)

Related Idioms

• Dẫu có đổi trời: An idiom expressing an extreme condition, meaning "even if the sky changes" or "come what may."
  • Lời hứa ấy, dẫu có đổi trời tôi cũng giữ. (That promise, come what may, I will keep it.)

1. như dù