それにしてもEven so; still
それにしても accepts a situation already mentioned and then introduces a fresh reaction to it, such as surprise, admiration, concern, or criticism. It often corresponds to “even so” or “still,” but the speaker’s evaluation is central.
How it works
The speaker does not reject the previous fact. Instead, they pause over it and say, in effect, “Granted—but this is still remarkable.” That makes the connective more evaluative than a purely logical “however.”
Different kinds of reaction
Notice that each example first establishes a situation and then comments on what remains striking.
八月だから暑いのは当然だ。それにしても、今日はひどい暑さだ。
Of course it is hot—it is August. Still, the heat today is awful.
Analyze彼は独学で日本語を身につけたそうだ。それにしても、あの発音の自然さは見事だ。
Apparently, he taught himself Japanese. Even so, the naturalness of his pronunciation is remarkable.
Analyze締め切りまで一週間ある。それにしても、作業の進みが遅すぎる。
There is still a week until the deadline. Even so, the work is progressing far too slowly.
AnalyzeChoosing among similar connectives
それにしても introduces a renewed evaluation of an accepted situation. それでも instead emphasizes that an action or result continues despite an obstacle. それなのに directly marks an outcome that goes against an expectation. もっとも adds a qualification or correction to the speaker’s own preceding statement.
More examples
値上げは予想していた。それにしても、二倍になるとは驚いた。
I expected a price increase. Still, I was shocked that it would double.
Analyze彼女は新入社員だと聞いている。それにしても、判断が速くて的確だ。
I hear she is a new employee. Even so, her decisions are quick and sound.
Analyzeこの地域は雨が多い。それにしても、今月は毎日のように降っている。
This area gets a lot of rain. Still, this month it has rained almost every day.
Analyze準備に時間がかかったのは分かる。それにしても、説明が長すぎる。
I understand that the preparation took time. Even so, the explanation is far too long.
Analyze三時間の公演だとは知っていた。それにしても、最後まで全く飽きなかった。
I knew it was a three-hour performance. Even so, I was not bored for a moment, right to the end.
Analyze駅から遠いことは承知していた。それにしても、歩いて四十分とは予想外だ。
I knew it was far from the station. Still, a forty-minute walk is more than I expected.
Analyze