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even if
Definition
The grammar pattern "たとえ + Verb (て形) + も / い形容詞 (くて) + も / な形容詞・名詞 (で) + も" is used to emphasize a hypothetical condition. It states that regardless of the situation (A), the result (B) will not change. This pattern is often used to express determination or confidence in one's actions or decisions. For example, "たとえ反対されても、私はプロの歌手になる夢をあきらめません." means "Even if I'm rejected, I won't give up on my dream of becoming a professional singer."
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (て形) | たとえ + Verb (て形) + も | たとえ雨が降っても、公園に行く |
| い形容詞 (くて) | たとえ + い形容詞 (くて) + も | たとえ寒くても、外に出る |
| な形容詞・名詞 (で) | たとえ + な形容詞・名詞 (で) + も | たとえ困難であっても、挑戦する |
Examples
たとえ反対されても、私はプロの歌手になる夢をあきらめません。
Tatoe hanpai sarete mo, watashi wa puro no utagae ni naru yume o akiramemasen.
Even if I'm rejected, I won't give up on my dream of becoming a professional singer.
たとえ (even if) + 反対されても (I'm rejected) + 私は (I) + プロの歌手になる (become a professional singer) + 夢をあきらめません (won't give up on my dream)
たとえ最後まで走り抜くつもりだ。
Tatoe saigo made hashirinukitsumorida.
I'm determined to run through to the end.
たとえ (even if) + 最後まで走り抜く (run through to the end) + つもりだ (I'm determined)
たとえ自分の信じる道を進みたい。
Tatoe jibun no shinjiru michi o susumitai.
I want to follow my own path.
たとえ (even if) + 自分の信じる道を (my own path) + 進みたい (I want to follow)
Context
This pattern is used to emphasize a hypothetical condition and express determination or confidence in one's actions or decisions. It is often used in situations where the speaker is facing obstacles or challenges. The pattern can be used in formal or informal writing and speech.
Watch out
When using this pattern, it's essential to use 'たとえ' instead of 'もし' to convey the idea of a hypothetical condition.
The correct particle to use in this pattern is '-te mo', not '-tara' or '-ba'.
The 'て' form is essential in this pattern to convey the idea of a hypothetical condition.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct particle '-te mo' and the 'て' form. Also, pay attention to the nuance of the sentence and use the correct verb form to convey the intended meaning.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N3 test-style questions. Each sentence shows たとえ + Verb (て形) + も / い形容詞 (くて) + も / な形容詞・名詞 (で) + も used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
たとえ反対されても、私はプロの歌手になる夢をあきらめません。
Pattern used: たとえ
'たとえ' is the standard adverb to pair with '〜ても' to mean 'even if'.
たとえ足が痛くても、最後まで走り抜くつもりだ。
Pattern used: 足が痛くても
'たとえ' must be followed by a 'te-form + mo' to express 'even if'.
たとえ失敗しても、自分の信じる道を進みたい。
Pattern used: 失敗しても
'〜ても' is used for concessive conditions (even if), whereas '〜たら' is for simple conditions.
Interactive
______反対されても、私はプロの歌手になる夢をあきらめません。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.