たとえ〜ても
Even if
Use たとえ〜ても to express that even in a hypothetical or extreme situation, the result remains the same. It is the emphatic version of 'even if'.
How It Works
1. Function and Nuance
The adverb たとえ is used to add strong emphasis to a hypothetical concession. While the て-form + も ending alone means 'even if,' adding たとえ (often written in hiragana) signals from the beginning of the sentence that a 'worst-case scenario' or a strong personal resolve is being described. It emphasizes that the result in the second clause will not change, regardless of the condition.
2. Conjugation Rules
The pattern requires the predicate to be in the concessive form:
- Verbs: て-form + も (e.g., 降って（ふって）も - even if it rains)
- い-Adjectives: Remove 〜い, add 〜くても (e.g., 高く（たかく）ても - even if it's expensive)
- な-Adjectives: Stem + でも (e.g., 嫌い（きらい）でも - even if I hate it)
- Nouns: Noun + でも (e.g., 雨（あめ）でも - even if it's rain)
3. Variation: 〜たとしても
At this level, you will also see たとえ〜たとしても. This variation is used for situations that are purely hypothetical, highly unlikely, or contrary to fact, adding an extra layer of 'supposing that' to the concession.
4. Formal Variations
In formal writing or speeches, であっても is often used instead of でも for nouns and な-adjectives to maintain a professional tone.
Examples (4)
- たとえ反対されても、私は留学します。
Even if I am opposed, I will study abroad.
Word by Word: Even if / being opposed / I / study abroad / do.
The speaker shows strong determination. The opposition of others will not change their plan.
- たとえ雨が降っても、試合は行われます。
Even if it rains, the match will be held.
Word by Word: Even if / rain / falls / match / held / is.
This describes an objective outcome that is independent of the weather condition.
- たとえ冗談でも、そんなことを言ってはいけません。
Even if it's a joke, you must not say such things.
Word by Word: Even if / joke / even / that kind of thing / say / must not.
Uses the noun form (冗談 + でも) to set a moral boundary regardless of the intent.
- たとえ安くても、この服は買いません。
Even if it's cheap, I won't buy these clothes.
Word by Word: Even if / cheap / this / clothes / buy / not.
Uses an い-adjective (安い → 安くても) to show that price is not the deciding factor.
Common Mistakes
Using the conditional 〜たら instead of 〜ても.
たとえ雨が降ったら、行きません。たとえ雨が降っても、行きます。たとえ must be paired with a concessive ending like 〜ても. Using 〜たら (if) creates a logical contradiction because たとえ implies 'even if' (concession), not just 'if' (condition).
Confusing たとえ with たとえば.
たとえ、りんごやバナナが好きです。たとえば、りんごやバナナが好きです。たとえ means 'even if,' while たとえば means 'for example.' They look similar but have completely different functions.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'たとえ〜ても', you first need to be comfortable with the te-form of verbs and adjectives, as this is the base conjugation used. You should also understand the basic concessive meaning of 'ても' (even if/even though). The word 'たとえ' is an adverb used at the start of the sentence to emphasize that the following condition is purely hypothetical.
- てもいいMay/permitted
Understanding the 'ても' particle combination for concession is essential, as 'たとえ' acts as an intensifier for this existing conditional structure.
Level 2 - たらIf/when (Completed)
Familiarity with conditional structures helps the learner understand the hypothetical nature of the 'たとえ〜ても' pattern.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- どんなに〜てもNo Matter How
Similar 'even if' meaning, but focuses on the degree or amount (No matter how much...) rather than just the existence of the condition.
Level 3 - のにAlthough/despite
Used for 'although' with facts that have already happened, whereas 'たとえ〜ても' is for hypothetical situations.
Level 2 - 〜といってもEven Though I Say
Used to qualify a statement ('Even though I say...'), whereas 'たとえ〜ても' emphasizes a hypothetical concession.
Level 4
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice たとえ〜ても in Bubblegum
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