Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 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 3
Core idea
〜ても means 'even if' and shows that the result does not change even when a certain condition is met.
Target signal
雨が降っても、試合はあります。
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
- って
- colloquial quoting or topic particle
- ます
- polite verb ending
Compare in context
高くても、このかばんを買いたいです。
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
- たい
- want to do
- いた
- was there
Section 2 of 3
Formation and patterns
For verbs, use te-form + も. For い-adjectives, use くても. For nouns and な-adjectives, use でも.
Target signal
暇でも、今日は出かけません。
Even if I am free, I will not go out.
Noun + でも makes an 'even if it is X' condition.
Vocabulary notes
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- でも
- but; however
- 今日
- today
Preview
難しくても、最後まで読んでみます。
Even if it is difficult, I will try reading it to the end.
〜ても can pair naturally with 〜てみる.
Vocabulary notes
- 読んで
- reading and
- ます
- polite verb ending
- まで
- until; up to
Section 3 of 3
Reading and nuance
Writers use 〜ても to show persistence, exceptions, or contrast with expectations. It often appears with words like まだ, もちろん, and 大丈夫.
Target signal
少し遅くなっても、大丈夫です。
Even if it gets a little late, it's okay.
Concession often appears with reassurance words like 大丈夫.
Vocabulary notes
- なって
- became; turned into
- 大丈夫
- okay; all right
- って
- colloquial quoting or topic particle
Preview
この薬を飲んでも、すぐには良くなりません。
Even if you take this medicine, you won't get better immediately.
The condition happens, but the expected good result still does not.
Vocabulary notes
- すぐに
- right away; immediately
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- この
- this