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Even if; though
Definition
The grammar pattern 'Noun + といえども (often with たとえ)' is used to establish a hypothetical or extreme condition to state that a certain principle still applies. It emphasizes that a particular rule or principle remains valid even in an extraordinary or hypothetical situation. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of universality or to make a point that is not dependent on specific circumstances. The nuance of this pattern lies in its ability to contrast and compare different situations, highlighting the underlying principle that remains constant.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | Noun + といえども | 国 + といえども |
| Verb | たとえ + Verb (base form) | たとえ + 食べる |
| Adjective | いかに + Adjective (base form) | いかに + 難しい |
Examples
たとえ一国の王が民衆の声を無視することは許されない。
Tatoe ikkoku no ō ga minshū no koe o mikaeru koto wa yurusarenai.
Even if a king of a country ignores the voices of the people, it is not allowed.
たとえ (even if) + 一国の王 (a king of a country) + 民衆の声を (the voices of the people) + 無視する (to ignore) + ことは (is) + 許されない (not allowed)
いかに困難な状況であっても、最後までやり遂げる決意だ。
Ikan ni konnan na jōkyō de mo, saigo made yaritsugeru ketsui da.
Even in a difficult situation, I have the determination to complete it until the end.
いかに (how much) + 困難な (difficult) + 状況 (situation) + あっても (even) + 最後まで (until the end) + やり遂げる (to complete) + 決意 (determination)
どんなに親しい仲であっても、最低限の礼儀は守るべきである。
Donni ni shinjiru naka de mo, saitei gimon no reigi wa mamoru beki da.
Even with close friends, it is necessary to maintain the minimum level of etiquette.
どんなに (how much) + 親しい (close) + 仲 (relationship) + あっても (even) + 最低限の (minimum) + 礼儀 (etiquette) + は (is) + 守るべき (necessary to maintain)
Context
This pattern is used to establish a hypothetical or extreme condition to state that a certain principle still applies. It is often used in formal or written Japanese. The pattern can be used with 'たとえ' (even if) or 'いかに' (how much) to emphasize the universality of the principle. It is essential to use the correct verb form and to avoid redundancy with 'to itte mo'.
Watch out
The past tense is not suitable for this pattern, as it is used to describe a hypothetical or extreme condition. Using the past tense can change the meaning of the sentence and make it sound unnatural.
The two particles are often confused, but they have different functions. 'とても' is used to emphasize the degree of something, while 'と' is used to connect two clauses.
'と' is used to connect two clauses, while 'といえども' is used to establish a hypothetical or extreme condition. Using 'と' instead of 'といえども' can change the meaning of the sentence and make it sound unnatural.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct verb form and to avoid redundancy with 'to itte mo'. Also, pay attention to the nuance of the sentence and make sure it sounds natural. Practice using this pattern in different contexts to improve your skills.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows Noun + といえども (often with たとえ) used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
たとえ一国の王といえども、民衆の声を無視することは許されない。
Pattern used: といえども
Formal concessive used for absolute principles regardless of status.
いかに困難な状況といえども、最後までやり遂げる決意だ。
Pattern used: といえども
'Ikani... to iedo mo' is a set pattern for emphasizing persistence despite difficulty.
どんなに親しい仲といえども、最低限の礼儀は守るべきである。
Pattern used: といえども
Asserts that the rule of etiquette applies even in extreme closeness.
Interactive
たとえ一国の王______、民衆の声を無視することは許されない。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.