Grammar Point

ても

even if, even though

also でも, っても

Verb て form +

This formation is used to express that a result occurs despite a certain condition being met, or that a situation remains unchanged even if something happens. It connects a dependent clause to a main clause to show an unexpected outcome.

Verb

The て form of the verb is followed by to mean 'even if' or 'even though' an action is performed.


Even if it rains, I will go.

Even if I drink medicine, I don't get better.

Note

When using verbs that end in ぶ, む, ぬ, or ぐ, the formation changes from ても to でも (e.g., 飲む becomes 飲んでも). In casual speech, the particle is sometimes omitted, but the meaning remains 'even if'.

Adjective +

Used with adjectives to show that a quality or state does not prevent the outcome described in the main clause.

い-Adjective

Replace the final い with くて and add .


Even if it is expensive, I will buy it.

Even if it is cold, it is fine.

な-Adjective

Add でも to the stem of the な-adjective.


Even if it is quiet, I cannot sleep.

Even if it is simple, I don't understand.

Note

For い-adjectives, the final い is replaced with くて before adding . For な-adjectives, the stem is followed by でも.

Noun + でも

Used with nouns to express 'even if it is [Noun]' or 'even though it is [Noun]'.

Noun

Add でも directly after the noun.


Even if it is a holiday, I work.

Even if he is a child, he is strong.

Note

This construction is identical in form to the な-adjective construction.



Radicals of radicals