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

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

～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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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。

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.

End of Lesson