The grammar patterns 〜て も and で も are commonly used in Japanese to express even if or even though scenarios.
〜て も is used with verbs and い-adjectives, while で も is used with nouns and な-adjectives.
Below are some examples of even if scenarios, where we express that a certain condition won’t change the outcome. The action or state will remain true regardless of the hypothetical condition.
| Even if it rains, I will go. | 雨 が 降って も、 行きます。ame ga futte mo, ikimasu. |
| Even if it’s expensive, I will buy it. | 高くて も、 買います。takakute mo, kaimasu. |
| Even if it’s quiet, I can’t hear. | 静か で も、 聞こえません。shizuka de mo, kikoemasen. |
| Even a child can do it. | 子供 で も、 できます。kodomo de mo, dekimasu. |
And below are some examples of even though scenarios, in which we express contrast, showing that something happens despite an existing situation or fact.
| Even though he has money, he is not happy. | 彼 は お金 が あって も、 幸せ じゃ ない。kare wa okane ga atte mo, shiawase ja nai. |
| Even though I studied, I didn’t pass. | 勉強して も、 合格しません でした。benkyoushite mo, goukakushimasen deshita. |
| Even though he's Japanese, he can't speak Japanese. | 彼 は 日本人 で も、 日本語 が 話せません。kare wa nihonjin de mo, nihongo ga hanasemasen. |
Lastly, here are some other common usages, which show flexibility or tolerance, and don't directly translate into even if or even though.
| No matter what you do, it’s okay. | 何 を して も 大丈夫 です。nani o shite mo daijoubu desu. |
| Anyone can participate. | 誰 で も 参加 できます。dare de mo sanka dekimasu. |
