たとえ
tatoe
In Japanese, "even if" is expressed using たとえ (tatoe).
たとえ is used to emphasize a hypothetical or extreme condition that will not prevent the main clause from being true.
Which one should you use?
While たとえ…ても is used for hypothetical "even if" scenarios, it is distinct from ～ても which can sometimes mean "even though" in a factual context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The conjunction たとえ is almost always paired with a verb or adjective in the ～ても (~te mo) form to complete the 'even if' structure. When the condition involves a noun, たとえ is paired with でも instead of ても.
How do you pronounce it?
tatoe
Did you know?
- The word たとえ is also used as a noun meaning 'example' or 'simile'. This comes from the root meaning of comparing one thing to another to illustrate a point.
- Japanese song lyrics frequently use たとえ to express an unchanging resolve or eternal love. It serves as a rhetorical device to show that no obstacle can change the outcome.
- In high-level formal speech or classical literature, the common ても ending is replaced by とも. This variation gives the sentence a more elegant and archaic tone.
Examples in context
- 彼女はたとえ疲れていても来るだろう。She will come even if she is tired.This sentence shows how to use たとえ with a verb to express a hypothetical state of being tired.Tatoeba #92151 by bunbuku, translation #311560 by CK
- たとえ彼女が来なくてもかまいません。I don't mind even if she doesn't come.This sentence demonstrates how to use たとえ with a negative verb form.Tatoeba #203454 by bunbuku, translation #40692 by CK
- たとえ雨が降っても私はそこへ行きます。I will go there even if it rains.This sentence illustrates using たとえ with a verb to describe a weather condition.Tatoeba #203522 by bunbuku, translation #40760 by CK
- 職場が忙しくても、会議に出席しなければなりません。Even if work is busy, I must attend the meeting.
- 日本語の勉強が難しくても、諦めないでください。Even if studying Japanese is difficult, please do not give up.
- たとえ雨が降っても、出かけますEven if it rains, I'll go out.
- 彼女は緊張しているとしても、上手に対話できますEven if she's nervous, she can speak well.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
陽太 and 美咲 are discussing a difficult hobby.
- 陽太 Yotaたとえ時間がなくても、練習したいんだ。tatoe jikan ga nakute mo, renshuu shitain da.Even if I don't have time, I want to practice.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さんは本当に熱心ですね。Youta-san wa hontou ni nesshin desu ne.You are really enthusiastic, Youta.
- 陽太 Yota上手くなりたいからね。Umaku naritai kara ne.Because I want to get better.
- 美咲 Misaki応援していますよ。Ouen shite imasu yo.I am rooting for you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
