Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Core idea
Understand the concessive meaning of 〜 as 'even if' or 'even though that happens.'
Start with the example
、。
Even if it rains, the game will still happen.
The result still holds even if the condition happens.
Notice the variation
、。
Even if it's expensive, I want to buy this bag.
High price does not change the speaker's intention.
More detail: how to apply this
〜 means 'even if' and shows that the result does not change even when a certain condition is met.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Identify the condition that fails to change the outcome, and keep any limits on that condition.
says it remains okay. This does not make being late a requirement.
、。
Even if it gets a little late, it's okay.
Identify the condition that fails to change the outcome, and keep any limits on that condition.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
Even if it rains, the game will still happen.
The result still holds even if the condition happens.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
Compare in context
、。
Even if it's expensive, I want to buy this bag.
High price does not change the speaker's intention.
Vocabulary notes
- かばん
- bag
Section 2 of 4
Formation and patterns
Formation and patterns
Start with the example
、。
Even if I am free, I will not go out.
Noun + makes an 'even if it is X' condition.
Notice the variation
、。
Even if it is difficult, I will try reading it to the end.
〜 can pair naturally with 〜.
More detail: how to apply this
For verbs, use te-form + .
For -adjectives, use .
For nouns and -adjectives, use .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Even if I am free, I will not go out.
Noun + makes an 'even if it is X' condition.
、。
Even if I am free, I will not go out.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Even if I am free, I will not go out.
Showing Formation and patterns: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
Even if I am free, I will not go out.
Noun + makes an 'even if it is X' condition.
Vocabulary notes
- 今日
- today
Preview
、。
Even if it is difficult, I will try reading it to the end.
〜 can pair naturally with 〜.
Vocabulary notes
- まで
- until; up to
- 読んで
- reading and
Section 3 of 4
Reading and nuance
Identify the condition that fails to change the outcome, and keep any limits on that condition.
Reading and nuance
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The considered condition is becoming a little late. The limit matters; extreme lateness is not discussed.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Writers use 〜 to show persistence, exceptions, or contrast with expectations.
It often appears with words like , , and .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Even if it gets a little late, it's okay.
Concession often appears with reassurance words like .
、。
Even if it gets a little late, it's okay.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Even if it gets a little late, it's okay.
Showing Reading and nuance: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Even if it gets a little late, it's okay.
Concession often appears with reassurance words like .
Preview
、。
Even if you take this medicine, you won't get better immediately.
The sentence says immediate improvement is not expected even under the condition of taking the medicine. It does not itself confirm that anyone has taken it.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- すぐに
- right away; immediately
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
makes rain insufficient to change going;
makes it the condition for resting.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
makes rain insufficient to change going; makes it the condition for resting.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Rest if it rains / go even if it rains
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.