JLPT N4 grammar

〜でもmeaning and usage

Meaning

  1. Any A (anywhere, anybody, anytime, etc.)
  2. Even A
  3. A or something
  4. Even if I have to A, by all means A

This point is also listed at N2.

How to form it

  • question wordでも
  • nounでも
  • verb (te-form)でも

How it is used

After a question word: “any-” (「いつでも」). After a noun: “even” (「子どもでもできる」) or a soft suggestion, “…or something” (「お茶でも」). 「〜てでも」 means “even if it takes doing…”.

Examples

  1. いつでもそれを使ってください。

    You may use it any time.

  2. この問題は、子どもでもわかります。

    Even a child can understand this question.

  3. 疲れたね。あの店でお茶でも飲まない？

    I'm tired. Want to have tea or something at that café?