Translation guide
The English phrase "even if" introduces a hypothetical or concessive condition. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the conditional ～ても/でも pattern, but other structures exist for emphasis, formality, or specific nuances.
To say that something will happen or is true regardless of a possible condition, often hypothetical.
The most common and versatile way to say 'even if'. Attach to the て-form of verbs, adjectives, or nouns + で.
雨が降っても行きます。
Even if it rains, I'll go.
高くても買います。
Even if it's expensive, I'll buy it.
Even if he doesn't come, the party will be fun.
Emphasizes the hypothetical nature. Often used when the condition is unlikely or contrary to fact. More formal/literary than ～ても.
たとえ彼が謝ったとしても、私は許さない。
Even if he apologized, I wouldn't forgive him.
明日雨が降ったとしても、試合は行われます。
Even if it rains tomorrow, the game will be held.
Similar to ～ても, but often used after nouns or to concede a point before making a contrasting statement. Slightly more formal.
彼が来るにしても、遅れるだろう。
Even if he comes, he'll probably be late.
冗談にしても、ひどすぎる。
Even if it's a joke, it's too cruel.
Literally 'even if one says', used to downplay or qualify a preceding statement. Often translates as 'although' or 'even though', but can mean 'even if' in hypothetical contexts.
彼が来るといっても、すぐ帰るだろう。
Even if he comes, he'll probably leave right away.
To strongly emphasize that the result is unchanged regardless of the extremity of the condition.
Adding たとえ (or たとい) before a ～ても clause strongly emphasizes the hypothetical nature, similar to 'even if' in English. Often used with ～としても.
たとえ失敗しても、挑戦する価値はある。
Even if I fail, it's worth trying.
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.
Used with adjectives or verbs to mean 'no matter how much' or 'even if (it is) very...'. Emphasizes degree.
どんなに難しくても、あきらめない。
Even if it's very difficult, I won't give up.
どんなに頼んでも、彼は聞いてくれなかった。
Even if I begged him, he wouldn't listen.
To concede a fact or situation for the sake of argument, often followed by a contrasting statement.
Attaches to the plain form of verbs/adjectives/nouns + だ. Means 'even assuming that...' or 'even if it is the case that...'. Often used with たとえ.
彼が正しいとしても、やり方が悪い。
Even if he is right, his method is bad.
それが事実だとしても、言い方がきつい。
Even if that's true, the way you said it was harsh.
～ても is the everyday 'even if'. ～たとしても is more hypothetical and often used with たとえ for emphasis. ～たとしても can sound more formal or literary.
雨が降っても行く。
Even if it rains, I'll go. (neutral)
たとえ雨が降ったとしても行く。
Even if it were to rain, I would go. (more hypothetical/emphatic)
English 'even if' is hypothetical; 'even though' is factual. Japanese ～ても can cover both, but context clarifies. Use ～のに for 'even though' when emphasizing contrast with reality.
雨が降っているのに、彼は出かけた。
Even though it's raining, he went out.