ともEven if; although
とも marks a written or rhetorical concession: even if the stated condition holds, it does not change the result. In modern Japanese, it is especially useful after i-adjectives and in emphatic volitional expressions.
Meaning and effect
The first part presents a condition that might normally be expected to affect the outcome. The following clause then states that the outcome, judgment, or determination remains unchanged. Depending on context, English may use “even if,” “although,” or “no matter how.”
Two dependable modern patterns
The adjective pattern often acknowledges a difficulty or limitation, while the volitional pattern commonly imagines an extreme possibility.
Established fact or imagined condition
The condition need not be purely hypothetical. In formal writing, the adjective pattern can acknowledge an established fact and mean “although.” With a volitional verb, the condition is more often an imagined possibility presented as unable to alter a decision or result.
規模は小さくとも、この研究の意義は大きい。
Although the scale is small, this research is highly significant.
AnalyzeThe usual neutral counterpart
For a normal modern conditional concession, ても or でも is the productive neutral choice. Use とも when the formal, literary, or rhetorical tone is intentional.
たとえ雨が降っても、試合は行います。
Even if it rains, the match will be held.
AnalyzeThis is the neutral modern construction, not the elevated pattern taught on this page.
More examples
費用は高くとも、安全性を優先すべきだ。
Even if the cost is high, safety should take priority.
Analyzeどれほど道が険しくとも、救援活動は続けられる。
No matter how treacherous the route is, rescue operations will continue.
Analyze部屋は狭くとも、必要な設備は整っている。
Although the room is small, it has all the necessary equipment.
Analyze私は、たとえ何年かかろうとも、この記録を完成させる。
Even if it takes years, I will complete this record.
Analyze誰に批判されようとも、委員会は事実を公表する。
No matter who criticizes it, the committee will disclose the facts.
Analyze状況がどう変わろうとも、基本方針は維持される。
However the situation may change, the basic policy will be maintained.
Analyze