Processing keyword: ～にしても (〜ni shitemo)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～にしても (〜ni shitemo)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～にしても (〜ni shitemo). This expression is used to convey the meaning of "even if," "even though," or "granted that." It allows the speaker to acknowledge a certain condition while expressing that the following statement remains true regardless of that condition.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

～にしても is used to introduce a condition that, even when considered or granted, does not change the outcome or the speaker's opinion. It emphasizes that the subsequent statement holds true despite the acknowledged condition. Meaning: "Even if...", "Even though...", "Granted that...", "Even considering..."

Structure

The formation of ～にしても depends on the part of speech:

Part of Speech	Formation
Verb	動詞 (plain form) + にしても
い-adjective	い形容詞 + にしても
な-adjective	な形容詞 + にしても
Noun	名詞 + にしても

Formation Diagram

[Clause A (condition)] + にしても、[Clause B (result/conclusion)]

• Clause A: The condition being acknowledged.
• Clause B: The result or conclusion that remains true regardless of Clause A.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ～ても (〜te mo)

While both ～にしても and ～ても can be translated as "even if," there are subtle differences:

• ～ても:
  • Used for general "even if" conditions.
  • Does not necessarily emphasize concession.
  • Example:
    • 雨が降っても、行きます。
      Even if it rains, I'll go.
• ～にしても:
  • Adds emphasis on the acknowledgment of the condition.
  • Often implies concession or admission.
  • Example:
    • 雨が降るにしても、行きます。
      Even if it rains (which I admit might happen), I'll go.

Nuance: ～にしても often conveys a stronger sense of considering the condition seriously, yet deciding that the outcome remains unaffected.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Casual Conversation

• 日本語は難しいにしても、毎日勉強すれば上達しますよ。
  Even if Japanese is difficult, you'll improve if you study every day.

2. Formal Writing

• 結果が悪かったにしても、最後まで努力したことは評価されるべきだ。
  Even though the results were bad, the effort made until the end should be appreciated.

3. Spoken (Formal)

• たとえ忙しいにしても、健康を無視してはいけません。
  Even if you are busy, you must not neglect your health.

4. Informal Speech

• 高いにしても、やっぱりこのパソコンが欲しい。
  Even if it's expensive, I still want this computer.

5. Written (Formal)

• 彼の意見が正しいにしても、全員が納得するとは限らない。
  Even if his opinion is correct, it doesn't mean everyone will agree.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese communication, expressing concession or acknowledging another's viewpoint is important for maintaining harmony. Using ～にしても demonstrates consideration of different possibilities or conditions while conveying one's own stance.

Levels of Politeness

The formality can be adjusted by choosing appropriate verbs and polite forms:

• Plain Form: Casual conversations.
• Polite Form (ます形): Formal or respectful contexts.

Idiomatic Expressions

どちらにしても

• Meaning: "In any case," "Either way."
• Example:
  • どちらにしても、準備が必要です。
    In any case, preparation is necessary.

何にしても

• Meaning: "At any rate," "No matter what."
• Example:
  • 何にしても、連絡してください。
    Anyway, please contact me.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Common Mistake 1: Confusing ～にしても with ～としても.

• Correction:
  • ～としても is used for hypothetical situations ("even if we suppose that").
  • ～にしても acknowledges a real condition. Example:
• 間に合わないとしても、連絡してください。
  Even if you think you won't make it in time, please contact me.
• 間に合わないにしても、努力は必要です。
  Even if you can't make it in time, effort is necessary. Common Mistake 2: Using the wrong verb form.
• Correction: Use the plain form of verbs and adjectives before にしても. Incorrect:
• 忙しい です にしても Correct:
• 忙しいにしても

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember "にしても" as "ni" (particle "に" meaning "to" or "towards") plus "shitemo" (the te-form of "する" + "も" meaning "even if done"). Think of it as "Even if you go towards that condition..."
• Practice: Create sentences acknowledging a challenging condition and express that your stance doesn't change.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～にしても expresses "even if," acknowledging a condition without changing the outcome.
• Formed by adding にしても to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, or directly to nouns.
• Emphasizes concession and is often used to show that the speaker's statement holds true despite the condition.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form: 明日雨_______、試合は行われます。 a) にしても
   b) でも
   c) としても
2. True or False: ～にしても and ～ても have exactly the same meaning and usage.
3. Translate the following sentence: 高いにしても、質が良ければ買いたいです。

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Answers to Quick Recap Quiz

1. a) にしても 明日雨*にしても、試合は行われます。*
   Even if it rains tomorrow, the match will be held.
2. False They are similar but have nuances in usage. ～にしても emphasizes concession more than ～ても.
3. Translation: Even if it's expensive, I want to buy it if the quality is good.

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