Processing keyword: ～ても-でも (〜te mo-demo)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ても-でも (〜te mo-demo)

JLPT Grammar Point: ～ても / ～でも (〜te mo / 〜demo)

1. Introduction

The grammar points 〜ても and 〜でも are used to express a condition or contrast in Japanese. They are often translated to "even if" or "even though" in English and allow speakers to present ideas in a way that acknowledges exceptions or conditional situations.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: These expressions indicate that something remains true or valid, even after considering a particular condition or circumstance.
• Structure:
  • 〜ても is used after a verb or an adjective (both i-adjective and na-adjective).
  • 〜でも is used after a noun.

Formation

• For verbs:

  • Verb + ても
    • Example: 食べる (taberu - to eat) → 食べても (tabete mo - even if (I) eat)

• For i-adjectives:

  • i-adjective + ても
    • Example: 高い (takai - expensive) → 高くても (takakute mo - even if (it is) expensive)

• For na-adjectives:

  • na-adjective + でも
    • Example: 静か (shizuka - quiet) → 静かでも (shizuka demo - even if (it is) quiet)

• For nouns:

  • Noun + でも
    • Example: 猫 (neko - cat) → 猫でも (neko demo - even if (it is) a cat)

Visual Aids

Type	Structure	Example
Verb	Verb + ても	行く (iku - to go) → 行っても (itte mo - even if (I) go)
I-Adjective	I-adjective + ても	おいしい (oishii - delicious) → おいしくても (oishikute mo - even if (it is) delicious)
Na-Adjective	Na-adjective + でも	大切 (taisetsu - important) → 大切でも (taisetsu demo - even if (it is) important)
Noun	Noun + でも	本 (hon - book) → 本でも (hon demo - even if (it is) a book)

3. Comparative Analysis

• と (to): This is used for conditions but is more definitive, often translating to "if" or "when."
• でも (demo): While both "〜ても" and "〜でも" emphasize a condition, 〜でも specifically implies a broader range of possibilities or exceptions.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 日本に行けなくても、ずっと日本語を勉強します。
   • (Nihon ni ikenakute mo, zutto Nihongo o benkyou shimasu.)
   • "Even if I cannot go to Japan, I will continue studying Japanese."
2. Informal:
   • 忙しくても遊びたい。
   • (Isogashikute mo asobitai.)
   • "Even if I'm busy, I want to hang out."
3. Written:
   • 彼が来なくても、会議を始めましょう。
   • (Kare ga konakute mo, kaigi o hajimemashou.)
   • "Let’s start the meeting even if he doesn’t come."
4. Spoken:
   • 雨が降っても行くよ。
   • (Ame ga futte mo iku yo.)
   • "I’ll go even if it rains."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, the use of 〜ても and 〜でも can reflect the norm of being considerate or acknowledging alternate scenarios, showing respect for the other person's potential situation or feelings.

Levels of Politeness

• Using 〜ても tends to be more formal and is often seen in written contexts or formal speech.
• In contrast, 〜でも can be used fluidly in both casual and formal surroundings.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 「いくら高くても買う」
  • (Ikura takakute mo kau - I will buy it no matter how expensive it is.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using 〜でも when it should be 〜ても (and vice versa).
• Tip: Remember that 〜ても is used with verbs and adjectives, while 〜でも is used with nouns.

Learning Strategies

• Create mnemonic devices like “VAN" (Verb, Adjective, or Noun) to remember the appropriate forms.
• Practice by turning statements into "even if" scenarios to get accustomed to their uses.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜ても and 〜でも express "even if" or "even though."
• Use 〜ても after verbs and adjectives; use 〜でも after nouns.
• Both structures convey that the main fact remains true regardless of the condition stated.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Choose the correct form: "If/Even if (I) buy a book." (本を___)
   • a) 買えなくても (kaenakute mo)
   • b) 本でも (hon demo)
2. Which is used after nouns?
   • a) 〜ても
   • b) 〜でも Answers:
3. a) 買えなくても
4. b) 〜でも