Translation guide
The English word "even" has several distinct uses that map to different Japanese expressions. This guide covers the most common patterns: emphasizing an extreme or unexpected example, making a comparison stronger, and expressing "even if" or "even though."
The speaker highlights something surprising, extreme, or unlikely to emphasize a point, similar to "even X" in English.
Attached to a noun, this means "even X." It emphasizes that X is an extreme or unexpected example. Often used with も for additional emphasis.
彼は自分の名前さえ書けなかった。
He couldn't even write his own name.
そんなことは子供でさえ知っている。
Even a child knows that.
The particle も can mean "even" when it replaces が or を in a negative sentence, or when it emphasizes an unexpected inclusion. Less emphatic than さえ.
彼は英語も話せない。
He can't even speak English.
Similar to さえ but more literary or formal. Attached to nouns to mean "even." Often used in negative contexts.
彼は自分の失敗すら認めなかった。
He didn't even admit his own mistake.
Used before comparative adjectives or adverbs to emphasize a greater degree, like "even more," "even better," "even faster."
Placed before adjectives or adverbs, もっと means "more" or "even more." It is the most common way to express this meaning.
Introduces a hypothetical or concessive condition, meaning "regardless of whether" or "despite the fact that."
The て-form + も means "even if." For nouns and na-adjectives, use でも. This is the most common way to express "even if."
雨が降っても行きます。
I'll go even if it rains.
Emphasizes a complete lack or minimal amount, often with numbers or quantity words.
Using も with a negative verb emphasizes "not even one" or "not at all." For numbers, 一 + counter + も + negative verb.
一人も来なかった。
Not even one person came.
Used to introduce a contrasting statement that holds true despite what was just said.
Referring to numbers divisible by two.
All three can mean "even," but さえ is the most common and neutral. も is less emphatic and often used in negative sentences. すら is formal/literary and often implies a stronger sense of surprise or indignation.
彼は自分の名前さえ書けない。
He can't even write his own name. (neutral)
You can't even solve such a simple problem?
もっと安いのはありますか？
Do you have an even cheaper one?
今日は昨日よりもっと寒い。
Today is even colder than yesterday.
Means "furthermore" or "even more." Slightly more formal than もっと, often used in written language or formal speech.
さらに詳しい情報が必要です。
We need even more detailed information.
Means "even more" or "still more." Often used in formal or literary contexts.
雨は一層激しくなった。
The rain became even heavier.
高くても買います。
I'll buy it even if it's expensive.
彼は病気でも学校に来た。
He came to school even though he was sick.
たとえ emphasizes the hypothetical nature, meaning "even if." Used with 〜ても.
たとえお金がなくても、幸せになれる。
Even if you have no money, you can be happy.
Means "even though" or "despite." Used for factual concessive clauses, often expressing surprise or dissatisfaction.
彼はたくさん食べたのに、まだお腹が空いている。
Even though he ate a lot, he's still hungry.
水も飲まなかった。
I didn't even drink water.
Stronger than も, emphasizes that not even the most basic thing happened.
彼は「ありがとう」さえ言わなかった。
He didn't even say thank you.
Means "even so" or "but still." Used at the beginning of a sentence to contrast with the previous statement.
彼はとても忙しい。それでも、毎日運動している。
He is very busy. Even so, he exercises every day.
Formal expression meaning "nevertheless" or "even so." Used in writing or formal speech.
証拠は不十分だった。それにもかかわらず、彼は有罪とされた。
The evidence was insufficient. Even so, he was found guilty.
The standard term for "even number."
2、4、6は偶数です。
2, 4, and 6 are even numbers.
He can't even write his own name. (less emphatic)
彼は自分の名前すら書けない。
He can't even write his own name. (formal/literary)
The English word "even" can be short for "evening," but that is a completely different word in Japanese (夕方, 夜, etc.). This guide only covers the adverb/conjunction uses.