even if ~, even though ~

Intermediate

10-15 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses concession - the result is the same regardless of the condition.

[Verb て-form] + も

雨が降っても、行きます。

Ame ga futte mo, ikimasu.

Even if it rains, I will go.

高くても買います。

Takakute mo kaimasu.

I'll buy it even if it's expensive.

For nouns and na-adjectives, use ～でも.

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 10

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