Japanese grammar
What does たとえ～ても mean? Japanese grammar N3
たとえ～ても means even if ~; no matter if ~ (extreme hypothesis).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | たとえ + Vても たとえ + Aくても たとえ + N／Aな + でも |
| Romaji | tatoe temo |
| Meaning | even if ~; no matter if ~ (extreme hypothesis) |
Forming it
| Verb | たとえ + 失敗し + ても |
|---|---|
| Adjective | たとえ + 遠く + ても |
How to use it
Emphasizes a hypothetical concessive condition, often an extreme or unlikely case, by pairing 「たとえ」 with 「～ても」.
- 「たとえ～ても」 emphasizes a HYPOTHETICAL concessive condition, often an extreme case: "even if … happens, still…".
- 「たとえ」 comes at the start of the sentence, signaling in advance that what follows is hypothetical, reinforcing the nuance of 「～ても」.
- The second clause usually expresses determination or an unchanging truth.
Examples
たとえ失敗しても、もう一度挑戦します。
Even if I fail, I will try once more.
たとえ遠くても、彼女に会いに行く。
No matter how far it is, I’ll go to see her.
Keep in mind
- 「たとえ」 always pairs with 「～ても／～でも」 later in the sentence.
- Emphasizes the hypothetical nature, unlike plain 「～ても」 (which can state a real condition).
Common mistakes
-
Wrongたとえ雨が降ると、試合をします。
Even if it rains, we'll play the match.
Correctたとえ雨が降っても、試合をします。
「たとえ」 must pair with 「～ても」, not with 「～と」.
-
Wrongたとえ高い、買います。
Even if it's expensive, I'll still buy it.
Correctたとえ高くても、買います。
Missing 「ても」; 「たとえ」 always needs 「～ても」 in the second clause.
Exam tips
- 「たとえ」 always pairs with 「～ても」; emphasizes an extreme hypothetical + determination/truth.