たとえ～ても / たとえ～でも
Frequent Usages
- たとえ雨が降っても、試合は行われます
- たとえ難しくても、諦めないで
- たとえ嫌いでも、野菜を食べたほうがいい
- たとえ失敗しても、もう一度挑戦する
- たとえ彼が反対でも、自分の意見を貫く
Meaning and Usage
"たとえ～ても / たとえ～でも" is used to express a hypothetical situation where an action or condition will happen or remain true regardless of any obstacles or difficulties. This structure conveys the idea of "even if" or "even though" in English and is often used to show determination or unwavering intent despite potential difficulties or unfavorable conditions.
The word "たとえ" (even if) is used at the beginning to emphasize that the condition or situation that follows does not affect the outcome or decision. It’s commonly used in statements expressing resolve, persistence, or advice.
Common Meanings
- Even If / Even Though: Used to describe situations where an action or outcome remains unchanged, no matter what happens.
- Regardless of Conditions: Often implies a strong sense of persistence, determination, or resilience.
Form
- たとえ + Verb (て形) + も
- たとえ失敗しても、諦めない
たとえしっぱいしても、あきらめない
"Even if I fail, I won’t give up." - たとえ時間がかかっても、やり遂げるつもりだ
たとえじかんがかかっても、やりとげるつもりだ
"Even if it takes time, I plan to see it through."
- たとえ + い-Adjective (remove い) + く + ても
- たとえ辛くても、最後まで頑張る
たとえつらくても、さいごまでがんばる
"Even if it’s tough, I’ll do my best to the end."
- たとえ + な-Adjective + でも
- たとえ不可能でも、やってみる価値がある
たとえふかのうでも、やってみるかちがある
"Even if it’s impossible, it’s worth trying."
- たとえ + Noun + でも
- たとえ反対意見でも、自分の意志を貫く
たとえはんたいいけんでも、じぶんのいしをつらぬく
"Even if there’s opposition, I’ll stick to my convictions."
When to Use It
Persistence and Determination
Use "たとえ～ても / たとえ～でも" when expressing strong commitment or resolve in the face of difficulties or challenges. This structure is often used to show that an outcome or decision will not change, no matter what the situation may be.
- To express determination in the face of adversity:
たとえ何があっても、目標を諦めない
たとえなにがあっても、もくひょうをあきらめない
"No matter what happens, I won’t give up on my goal."
Hypothetical Situations with Strong Intent
Use "たとえ～ても / たとえ～でも" when hypothesizing a situation where the speaker insists that a particular action or decision will remain unchanged, regardless of the conditions.
- To emphasize that a decision won’t change, even in a specific hypothetical situation:
たとえ大変でも、約束を守るつもりだ
たとえたいへんでも、やくそくをまもるつもりだ
"Even if it’s hard, I intend to keep my promise."
Examples for Each Form
- たとえ + Verb (て形) + も
- たとえ遠くに住んでいても、必ず会いに行く
たとえとおくにすんでいても、かならずあいにいく
"Even if you live far away, I’ll make sure to visit." - たとえ雨が降っても、ハイキングに行く
たとえあめがふっても、ハイキングにいく
"Even if it rains, I’ll go hiking."
- たとえ + い-Adjective (remove い) + く + ても
- たとえ辛くても、最後まで続ける
たとえつらくても、さいごまでつづける
"Even if it’s hard, I’ll continue to the end."
- たとえ + な-Adjective + でも
- たとえ不便でも、自然が豊かなところに住みたい
たとえふべんでも、しぜんがゆたかなたころにすみたい
"Even if it’s inconvenient, I want to live in a place rich in nature."
- たとえ + Noun + でも
- たとえ家族の反対があっても、自分の夢を追いかける
たとえかぞくのはんたいがあっても、じぶんのゆめをおいかける
"Even if my family opposes it, I’ll pursue my dream."
Improper Usage
Avoid using "たとえ～ても / たとえ～でも" for situations where the outcome would actually change due to the hypothetical condition. This structure is specifically for situations where the outcome or resolve is unaffected by the condition.
Key Points to Remember
- Even if / Even though: Use "たとえ～ても / たとえ～でも" to indicate that an outcome will remain the same, regardless of the hypothetical situation.
- Shows Resolve or Determination: Often used to express strong commitment or intent.
- Hypothetical Condition: The use of "たとえ" emphasizes a hypothetical situation that won’t alter the speaker’s decision or action.
Formality
"たとえ～ても / たとえ～でも" is generally neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and formal situations.
Example Sentences
- たとえ失敗しても、また挑戦する
たとえしっぱいしても、またちょうせんする
"Even if I fail, I’ll try again." - たとえ寒くても、朝のジョギングを続ける
たとえさむくても、あさのジョギングをつづける
"Even if it’s cold, I’ll keep jogging in the morning." - たとえ反対されても、自分の信念を守る
たとえはんたいされても、じぶんのしんねんをまもる
"Even if I’m opposed, I’ll stick to my beliefs." - たとえお金がなくても、幸せになれる
たとえおかねがなくても、しあわせになれる
"Even if I have no money, I can be happy." - たとえ忙しくても、家族との時間を大切にしたい
たとえいそがしくても、かぞくとのじかんをたいせつにしたい
"Even if I’m busy, I want to value time with my family."
