Processing keyword: ～ても (〜temo)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ても (〜temo)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ても (〜temo)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～ても (〜temo) is frequently used in Japanese to express the idea of "even if" or "even though." This structure allows speakers to convey a sense of concession or a hypothetical situation that does not affect the outcome.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure of ～ても consists of the verb or adjective in its stem form followed by も (mo).

Structure

• For verbs:
  • Take the verb stem and add ても.
  • Example: 食べる (taberu - to eat) → 食べても (tabete mo - even if [I] eat)
• For い-adjectives:
  • Drop the い (i) and add ても.
  • Example: 高い (takai - expensive) → 高くても (takakute mo - even if [it is] expensive)
• For な-adjectives:
  • Use the noun + じゃなくても (janakute mo) or just でも (demo).
  • Example: きれい (kirei - beautiful) → きれいでも (kirei de mo - even if [it is] beautiful)
• For nouns:
  • Simply add でも (demo).
  • Example: 学生 (gakusei - student) → 学生でも (gakusei de mo - even if [I am] a student)

Formation Diagram

[-verb stem-] + ても → Even if (e.g. 食べても - (tabete mo) - even if [I] eat)
- い-adjective: [Adjective-い] + ても → (e.g. 高くても - (takakute mo) - even if [it is] expensive)
- な-adjective: [Noun] + じゃなくても → (e.g. きれいでも - (kirei de mo) - even if [it is] beautiful)
- Noun: [Noun] + でも → (e.g. 学生でも - (gakusei de mo) - even if [I am] a student)

3. Comparative Analysis

When comparing ～ても (temo) with similar structures, we see notable differences:

• けれども (keredomo): Used to express contrast but does not imply a hypothetical outcome.
  • Example: 雨が降っているけれども、行きます。(Ame ga futte iru keredomo, ikimasu.) - Even though it is raining, I will go.
• たとえ (tatoe): Expresses "even if" or "no matter how," often used with the conditional ても.
  • Example: たとえ雨が降っても、行きます。(Tatoe ame ga futte mo, ikimasu.) - Even if it rains, I will go.

Nuance

• ～ても (temo) emphasizes that the speaker's action or thought remains unchanged regardless of the circumstances described.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Informal:
   • 友達と行っても、楽しくないかもしれない。(Tomodachi to itte mo, tanoshikunai kamoshirenai.)
   • Even if I go with my friends, it might not be fun.
2. Formal:
   • 雨が降っても、会議は続きます。(Ame ga futte mo, kaigi wa tsuzukimasu.)
   • Even if it rains, the meeting will continue.
3. Spoken:
   • あのレストランは高くても、おいしいよ！(Ano resutoran wa takakute mo, oishii yo!)
   • Even if that restaurant is expensive, it’s delicious!
4. Written:
   • この問題は難しくても、解決方法があります。(Kono mondai wa muzukashikute mo, kaiketsu hōhō ga arimasu.)
   • Even if this problem is difficult, there is a solution.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of ～ても (temo) reflects the Japanese value of persistence and commitment even in challenging situations. This grammatical structure acknowledges difficulties while still affirming intentions or outcomes.

Levels of Politeness

Using ～ても (temo) can be adjusted based on the context: more formal situations may employ polite forms of verbs and adjectives, while casual conversations can use their plain forms.

Idiomatic Expressions

A common idiomatic expression is:

• たとえどんなことがあっても (tatoe donna koto ga attemo) - No matter what happens.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Common mistakes include using the wrong forms:

• Using the plain form of nouns or adjectives incorrectly, e.g., saying きれいじゃまだ (kirei ja mada) instead of きれいでも (kirei de mo).

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • Remember “temo” as “tempore” - things remain true regardless of "time" or circumstances.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The grammar point ～ても (temo) means “even if” or “even though.”
• It is formed by attaching ても to the verb or adjective stems, and it expresses outcomes that are independent of certain conditions.
• This structure maintains the intention and conveys a strong sense of determination amidst challenges.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the meaning of ～ても (temo)?
2. How do you form it with a い-adjective? Give an example.
3. Compare ～ても (temo) and けれども (keredomo) in terms of usage.