「たとえ～ても」- Even If

Explanation

In Japanese, たとえ～ても is a grammatical structure used to express a hypothetical condition with a contrasting result, meaning "even if... still...". This expression is commonly used in everyday conversations to indicate that even if a certain situation occurs, it won't affect the outcome. The word たとえ is an adverb meaning "even if," and it is typically used with the て-form of verbs, adjectives, and nouns.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
たとえ + Verb て-form + も	Verb て-form + も	Used to indicate that even if a certain action occurs, the result remains unchanged.
たとえ + い-Adjective (remove い) + くても	い-Adjective (remove い) + くても	Used to indicate that even if a certain quality or state exists, the result remains unchanged.
たとえ + な-Adjective (remove な) + でも	な-Adjective (remove な) + でも	Used to indicate that even if a certain quality or state exists, the result remains unchanged.
たとえ + Noun + でも	Noun + でも	Used to indicate that even if a certain identity or situation exists, the result remains unchanged.

Basic Usage

• たとえ失敗しっぱいしても、次つぎまた挑戦ちょうせんすればいい。
• Tatoe shippai shite mo, tsugi mata chousen sureba ii.
• Even if I fail, I can just try again next time.
  

• たとえ高たかくても、必要ひつようなものは買かわなければならない。
• Tatoe takakute mo, hitsuyou na mono wa kawanakereba naranai.
• Even if it's expensive, I have to buy what I need.
  

• たとえ雨あめが降ふっても外そとへ出でる。
• Tatoe ame ga futte mo soto e deru.
• Even if it rains, I will go out.
  

Deep Dive

たとえ～ても is used to express strong determination, implying that despite difficulties or unfavorable conditions, one will still stick to their choices and actions. This structure is often used to emphasize a mindset or attitude, especially in contexts involving personal goals, ideals, and beliefs.

Examples

• たとえ数分すうふんしか会あえないとしても、会あいに行いきたいと思おもうのが愛あい。
• Tatoe suufun shika aenai to shite mo, ai ni ikitai to omou no ga ai.
• Even if I can only meet for a few minutes, wanting to see them is love.
  

• たとえ親友しんゆうだとしてもお金かねの貸か借かりだけはしないようにしている。
• Tatoe shinyuu da to shite mo, okane no kashikari dake wa shinai you ni shiteiru.
• Even if they are my best friend, I avoid lending or borrowing money.
  

• たとえ苦くるしくても最後さいごまで走はしり抜ぬくつもりだ。
• Tatoe kurushikute mo, saigo made hashiri nuku tsumori da.
• Even if it's painful, I intend to run to the end.
  

Real-Life Scenarios

• たとえ忙いそがしくても、健すこやかな生活せいかつを送おくるために運動うんどうは欠かかせない。
• Tatoe isogashikute mo, sukena na seikatsu o okuru tame ni undou wa kakasenai.
• Even if I'm busy, I can't skip exercise for a healthy life.
  

• たとえ困難こんなんでも、自分じぶんの夢ゆめを諦あきらめない。
• Tatoe konnan demo, jibun no yume o akiramenai.
• Even if it's difficult, I won't give up on my dreams.
  

Summary

たとえ～ても is a highly practical grammatical structure in Japanese, used to express that even if a certain situation occurs, the result remains unaffected. Understanding and mastering this structure allows for more accurate expression of determination and intention under hypothetical conditions. Proper use of たとえ～ても enhances the nuance and precision of language expression.