JLPT N4

ても

Even if ~

Structure

Verb て-form も

How it works

The grammar point 'ても' is used to express 'even if' or 'even though,' indicating that a result occurs regardless of a conditional action or state. It is formed by adding 'も' to the て-form of verbs, adjectives, or nouns. Even if the condition in the first part of the sentence is met, the outcome in the second part remains unchanged or contrary to expectations.

Examples

雨が降っても、サッカーをします。

Even if it rains, I will play soccer.

安くても、このカバンは買いません。

Even if it's cheap, I won't buy this bag.

いくら考えても、わかりません。

No matter how much I think, I don't understand.

Common mistakes

Confusing 'ても' with 'たら'. While 'たら' is a simple 'if' (if A happens, B follows), 'ても' implies that B will happen regardless of A.

Tip

To emphasize 'no matter how much,' 'no matter what,' or 'no matter who,' pair 'ても' with question words like 'いくら' (how much), 'なにを' (what), or 'だれが' (who).

More JLPT N4 grammar

See ても in real Japanese

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