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.
He couldn't even write his own name.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
He can't even write his own name. (neutral)
そんな簡単な問題も解けないの？
You can't even solve such a simple problem?
Do you have an even cheaper one?
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.
We need even more detailed information.
Means "even more" or "still more." Often used in formal or literary contexts.
The rain became even heavier.
I'll go even if it rains.
I'll buy it even if it's expensive.
He came to school even though he was sick.
たとえ emphasizes the hypothetical nature, meaning "even if." Used with 〜ても.
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.
Even though he ate a lot, he's still hungry.
I didn't even drink water.
Stronger than も, emphasizes that not even the most basic thing happened.
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.
He is very busy. Even so, he exercises every day.
Formal expression meaning "nevertheless" or "even so." Used in writing or formal speech.
The evidence was insufficient. Even so, he was found guilty.
The standard term for "even number."
2, 4, and 6 are even numbers.
彼は自分の名前も書けない。
He can't even write his own name. (less emphatic)
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.