〜ても
even if ~
Show what happens when a condition is met.
Remember it
Think “if this, then that” and bridge them with 〜ても.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ても」 means "even if ~". Structure: Verb te-form + も. This is a JLPT N4 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Keep the condition and its result clear; the order matters more than a literal translation.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Shopping & services
Example 1故障が高くても、買います。
こしょう が たかくても、かいます。
koshou ga takakutemo, kaimasu.
Even if the breakdown is expensive, I will buy it.
Shopping & services
Example 2お釣りが高くても、買います。
おつり が たかくても、かいます。
otsuri ga takakutemo, kaimasu.
Even if the change (money) is expensive, I will buy it.
Shopping & services
Example 3畳が高くても、買います。
たたみ が たかくても、かいます。
tatami ga takakutemo, kaimasu.
Even if the tatami mat is expensive, I will buy it.
Shopping & services
Example 4紙が高くても、買います。
かみ が たかくても、かいます。
kami ga takakutemo, kaimasu.
Even if the paper is expensive, I will buy it.
Shopping & services
Example 5草が高くても、買います。
くさ が たかくても、かいます。
kusa ga takakutemo, kaimasu.
Even if the grass is expensive, I will buy it.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
Even if the breakdown is expensive, I will buy it.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ても.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.