ても means even if; even though. It is a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar pattern used to express this idea in natural Japanese.
This English meaning is written independently from the source list so it answers the learner question directly: what does ても mean and when should you use it?
What does ても mean?
Use ても when you want to express even if; even though in a Japanese sentence.
Natural translations include:
- even if; even though
- even if
- even though
How to form ても
Verb/adjective て-form + も
Examples of the pattern:
- Verb/adjective て-form + も
- ても
- related form: のに
When is ても used?
Use ても in situations like:
- reading or writing JLPT N4-level sentences
- making a sentence more precise than a basic N5 pattern
- recognizing natural grammar in conversation or short passages
Tone and register:
- usually neutral unless the pattern itself is casual, humble, honorific, or written
- common in JLPT N4 grammar study and everyday examples
ても example sentences
- 雨が降っても行きます。 — I will go even if it rains.
- 高くても買いたいです。 — I want to buy it even if it is expensive.
- 忙しくても毎日勉強します。 — I study every day even if I am busy.
- 何回読んでも分かりません。 — Even if I read it many times, I do not understand.
- 寒くても窓を開けます。 — I will open the window even if it is cold.
Nuance of ても
The key nuance is even if; even though in context, not a word-for-word English replacement.
This matters because ても often changes the relationship between actions, people, time, or evidence in the sentence. Read the whole sentence before choosing the English translation.
ても vs のに
Both patterns can appear in related sentences, but they do different jobs.
ても:
- is the target JLPT N4 pattern in this lesson
- focuses on even if; even though
のに:
- is useful for comparison because learners often confuse nearby forms
- may change the tone, evidence, direction, or relationship in the sentence
Quick contrast examples:
- Target pattern: 雨が降っても行きます。 — I will go even if it rains.
- Related pattern with のに: compare what changes in evidence, timing, direction, or politeness.
Common mistakes with ても
Watch out for these mistakes:
- Copying a dictionary gloss without checking the sentence context
- Using the wrong verb, adjective, or noun form
- Confusing ても with のに because the English can sound similar
Is ても on the JLPT?
Yes. ても is connected to JLPT N4 grammar in this blog.
That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences
Practice questions for ても
Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one short sentence using the basic structure.
- Replace the subject, time, or object and keep the same grammar point.
- Compare your sentence with the related pattern above.
Learn ても with Kanjiru
If you want to review ても together with kanji, vocabulary, and other JLPT N4 patterns, Kanjiru helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.
Browse more lessons here: