Processing keyword: A。それでも B。(~sore demo)

Japanese Grammar Point: A。それでも B。(~sore demo)

それでも (~sore demo)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, それでも is a conjunction that connects two statements, often expressing contrast or unexpected results. It translates to "Even so," "Nevertheless," or "Despite that" in English. Understanding how to use それでも properly will enhance your ability to express contrasting ideas and add depth to your conversations.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

それでも is used to indicate that the second statement holds true despite the circumstances described in the first statement. It emphasizes that an outcome or action occurs contrary to expectations.

• それでも: Even so; Nevertheless; Despite that

Structure

The basic structure using それでも is:

[Statement A]. それでも [Statement B].

• Statement A: A fact, situation, or condition.
• Statement B: An outcome or action that occurs despite Statement A.

Formation Diagram

[Clause 1]. それでも [Clause 2].

• Clause 1: A situation or condition.
• それでも: Conjunction meaning "Even so" or "Nevertheless."
• Clause 2: A contrasting outcome or action.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

しかし (Shikashi) vs. それでも (Sore demo)

• しかし: Means "However" or "But," introducing a simple contrast.
• それでも: Implies that despite the previous statement, something still holds true. | | しかし (Shikashi) | それでも (Sore demo) |

|-----|-----------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Use | Simple contrast or objection | Outcome occurs despite the previous situation | | Example | 雨が降っています。しかし、出かけます。 | 雨が降っています。それでも、出かけます。 | | Meaning | "It's raining. However, I'll go out." | "It's raining. Even so, I'll go out." |

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal - Written
   • 彼は失敗しました。それでも、あきらめませんでした。
   • Kare wa shippai shimashita. Sore demo, akiramemasen deshita.
   • He failed. Even so, he did not give up.
2. Informal - Spoken
   • 雨だけど、それでもサッカーするの？
   • Ame dakedo, sore demo sakkā suru no?
   • It's raining, but you're still going to play soccer?
3. Formal - Spoken
   • 問題が多いです。それでも、プロジェクトを続けます。
   • Mondai ga ōi desu. Sore demo, purojekuto o tsudzukemasu.
   • There are many problems. Nevertheless, we will continue the project.
4. Informal - Written
   • 彼女は忙しい。それでも、時間を作ってくれる。
   • Kanojo wa isogashii. Sore demo, jikan o tsukutte kureru.
   • She's busy. Even so, she makes time for me.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• それでも is neutral in terms of politeness and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Idiomatic Expressions

• それでもかまいません: "Even so, it's okay."
• それでもやります: "I'll do it anyway."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing with でも (demo)
   • でも means "but" or "however," and is used for general contrasts.
   • それでも emphasizes that an action occurs despite the previous statement.
2. Overusing in Inappropriate Contexts
   • Using それでも when there is no strong contrast or unexpected outcome.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Think of それでも as "Even that being so," to remember its usage in expressing contrasts where something happens despite circumstances.
• Practice: Create your own sentences using それでも to describe situations where an outcome is unexpected based on prior information.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• それでも is a conjunction meaning "Even so" or "Nevertheless."
• Used to express that something occurs despite preceding circumstances.
• Differs from しかし and でも by emphasizing an unexpected continuation or outcome.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate the following sentence: 彼は疲れていた。それでも、最後まで走った。 He was tired. ________, he ran until the end.
2. True or False: それでも can be used interchangeably with しかし in all contexts.

Answers

1. He was tired. Even so, he ran until the end.
2. False: それでも implies a stronger contrast, emphasizing that something happened despite circumstances.

By mastering それでも, you can effectively express contrasts and unexpected outcomes in Japanese, making your communication more nuanced and natural.