Processing keyword: ～ても (〜temo)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ても (〜temo)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～ても (〜temo) is a versatile expression in Japanese that conveys the meaning of "even if," "even though," or "no matter." It is used to indicate that the result or the main clause remains unchanged regardless of the condition stated.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• English Equivalents: "Even if," "even though," "no matter."
• Usage: To express that the outcome is unaffected by the condition.

Structure

The formation of ～ても depends on whether it is attached to verbs, adjectives, or nouns.

Formation Diagram

Part of Speech	Stem Modification	+ ～ても
Verb	Te-form	も
い-Adjective	Te-form	も
な-Adjective	Root + でも
Noun	Noun + でも

How to Form

1. Verbs Convert the verb into its te-form and add も.
   • Example:
     • 行く (iku) → 行って (itte) + も → 行っても (ittemo)
2. い-Adjectives Change the い-adjective to its te-form (replace い with くて) and add も.
   • Example:
     • 高い (takai) → 高くて (takakute) + も → 高くても (takakutemo)
3. な-Adjectives and Nouns Add でも directly to the noun or the root of the な-adjective.
   • Example:
     • 静か (shizuka) → 静かでも (shizukademo)
     • 雨 (ame) → 雨でも (amedemo)

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3. Comparative Analysis

～ても vs. ～たら

• ～ても: Emphasizes that the result is the same regardless of the condition.
• ～たら: Used to express a condition that, when fulfilled, leads to a result. Example:
• 雨が降っても行きます。
  • I will go even if it rains.
• 雨が降ったら行きません。
  • I won't go if it rains.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. どんなに忙しくても、健康を大切にしてください。
   • No matter how busy you are, please take care of your health.
2. 試験が難しくても、あきらめません。
   • Even if the exam is difficult, I won't give up.

Informal Speech

1. 雨でもサッカーをしよう。
   • Let's play soccer even if it rains.
2. 彼が来なくても、パーティーは楽しいよ。
   • Even if he doesn't come, the party will be fun.

Written Context

1. この本は高くても買う価値がある。
   • Even though this book is expensive, it's worth buying.
2. 結果がどうであっても、全力を尽くすべきだ。
   • No matter what the outcome is, you should give your all.

Spoken Context

1. 時間がなくても連絡してね。
   • Even if you don't have time, please contact me.
2. 好きじゃなくても食べてみて。
   • Even if you don't like it, try eating it.

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• The usage of ～ても remains consistent across different levels of politeness.
• Formality is adjusted through verb forms and honorifics in the main clause.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 何をしても無駄だ。
   • No matter what I do, it's useless.
2. いくら食べても太らない。
   • No matter how much I eat, I don't gain weight.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using the wrong form of the adjective or verb.
   • Incorrect: 高いても
   • Correct: 高くても
2. Confusing ～ても with ～ては.
   • Note: ～ては can imply a negative connotation or prohibition.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ても as "TE-form + MO (also)." So, "Even if doing X also, Y remains."
• Practice: Create sentences using everyday activities to become familiar with the structure.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ても expresses that the outcome doesn't change regardless of the condition.
• Formation depends on the part of speech: verbs and adjectives use the te-form; nouns and な-adjectives use the root + でも.
• It is used in various contexts without significant change in politeness levels.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ～ても with い-adjectives?
   • Answer: Change the adjective to its te-form (replace い with くて) and add も.
2. Translate the following sentence: "Even if it's expensive, I'll buy it."
   • Answer: 高くても買います。
3. Fill in the blank: __がなくても大丈夫です。 (It's okay even if there isn't __.)
   • Possible Answer: 時間 (じかん) - 時間がなくても大丈夫です。

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