てでもEven by doing; willing to go so far as to
てでも expresses a strong willingness to use a costly, risky, or otherwise extreme action as the means to achieve a goal. It often corresponds to “even if that means doing” or “even if I have to do.”
The action is an accepted means
The first action is not merely an unfavorable possibility. It is a method, sacrifice, or risk that the subject is prepared to accept. The goal comes afterward and should be clear enough to justify that strong resolve.
Desire, duty, and protective resolve
Notice how each costly action directly supports the goal in the rest of the sentence.
留学するためなら、車を売ってでも資金を作りたい。
If that is what it takes to study abroad, I want to raise the money even by selling my car.
AnalyzeSelling the car is a significant sacrifice that the speaker is willing to make.
締め切りに間に合わせるためには、徹夜してでも原稿を仕上げなければならない。
To meet the deadline, I have to finish the manuscript even if that means staying up all night.
AnalyzeHere the following clause expresses duty rather than personal desire.
この森は、地位を失ってでも守るつもりだ。
I intend to protect this forest even if it costs me my position.
AnalyzeThe possible loss is accepted as the price of protecting the forest.
A forceful fixed-like expression
何をしてでも真相を明らかにしたい。
I want to uncover the truth, whatever it takes.
Analyze何をしてでも presents virtually any necessary action as an acceptable means, so context determines whether the determination sounds admirable, desperate, or troubling.
Willingness versus critical evaluation
てでも foregrounds willingness to take an extreme step. By contrast, てまで can evaluate how far someone goes and is natural when rejecting or criticizing that extreme. In the negative refusal below, replacing it with てでも would conflict with the speaker’s refusal to accept the cost.
健康を壊してまで働くつもりはない。
I have no intention of working to the point of ruining my health.
AnalyzeThis rejects the extreme extent rather than expressing willingness to use it as a means.
More examples
資金が足りなければ、家を担保に入れてでも事業を続けたい。
If funds are short, I want to keep the business going even if that means putting my house up as collateral.
Analyze必要なら、休学してでも研究を完成させる。
If necessary, I will complete the research even if that means taking a leave from school.
Analyzeどんな手を使ってでも、期限までに証拠を見つけなければならない。
We have to find the evidence by the deadline, whatever it takes.
Analyze評判を落としてでも、内部の不正を公表するつもりだ。
I intend to expose the internal wrongdoing even if it damages my reputation.
Analyze高い違約金を払ってでも、この契約から抜けたい。
I want to get out of this contract even if I have to pay a large penalty.
Analyze何時間並んででも、この切符を手に入れたい。
I want to get this ticket even if I have to stand in line for hours.
Analyze