〜ても

〜ても is a て-form extension that expresses even if / even though. The て-form is one of the most productive patterns in Japanese — by combining it with various helper verbs and expressions, you can express a wide range of meanings from ongoing actions to requests to sequential events.

This is an intermediate pattern used regularly in everyday Japanese conversation and writing.

When to Use#

• Conceding a point: 雨が降っても行きます (I'll go even if it rains)
• Emphasizing persistence: 何度失敗しても諦めない (I won't give up no matter how many times I fail)
• Hypothetical concession: いくら高くても買います (No matter how expensive, I'll buy it)

When NOT to Use#

• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• 雨が降っても、駅まで歩きます。 — Even if it rains, I walk to the station.
• 疲れていても皿を洗わなければなりません。 — Even if I'm tired, I have to do the dishes.
• 忙しくても、ちゃんと食べるようにしています。 — Even if I'm busy, I try to eat properly.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Incorrect て-form conjugation — Make sure you correctly form the て-form of the preceding verb before attaching this pattern. Group 1 verbs have sound changes (く→いて, ぐ→いで, す→して, etc.).

Related Patterns#

• 〜にしても (even if / even though) — Next step
• 〜てもいい (may / it's okay to) — Next step