Translation guide
Expresses that something happens or is true despite what was just said. In Japanese, this is often conveyed with sentence-initial conjunctions like それでも or にもかかわらず, or with contrastive particles and structures.
The most common, neutral way to say 'nevertheless' in conversation or writing, indicating that the following statement holds true regardless of the previous statement.
Literally 'even so'. A very common, slightly casual to neutral conjunction used at the start of a sentence.
It was raining. Nevertheless, he went out.
A more formal or written expression meaning 'in spite of that'. Can follow a clause directly or start a new sentence.
He was sick. Nevertheless, he attended the meeting.
Expresses 'and yet' or 'but still', often with a nuance of surprise or frustration. Common in spoken Japanese.
I studied a lot. Nevertheless, I failed the exam.
Used to concede a point but then add a contrasting statement. Similar to 'that said' or 'having said that'. More common in writing or formal speech.
He is capable. Nevertheless, he lacks experience.
When 'nevertheless' is used to connect two clauses within a single sentence, often translated with ても/でも or のに.
Attach to the te-form of verbs/i-adjectives or use でも after nouns/na-adjectives. Means 'even if/though'. The following clause states the result that occurs despite that condition.
Even if it rains, I'll go out. (Nevertheless, I'll go out.)
Even if it's expensive, I'll buy it.
Attach to the plain form of verbs/i-adjectives, or な/である for nouns/na-adjectives. Expresses 'although' or 'despite the fact that', often with a nuance of unexpectedness or complaint.
Although he is sick, he is working. (Nevertheless, he is working.)
In formal writing or speeches, 'nevertheless' can be expressed with more literary conjunctions.
それでも is the most common and neutral way to say 'nevertheless' in everyday conversation. にもかかわらず is more formal and often used in writing or formal speeches. それなのに adds a nuance of personal frustration or surprise.
He promised. Nevertheless, he didn't come.
He promised. Nevertheless, he didn't come. (more formal)
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'nevertheless' in all contexts. Translating it as しかし (however) alone often misses the concessive nuance. Use それでも or にもかかわらず to explicitly convey 'in spite of that'.
A slightly more emphatic version of にもかかわらず, often used in formal writing.
The evidence was insufficient. Nevertheless, he was found guilty.