〜ても、〜でも: meaning and usage

How to form it

• verb (te-form)+も
• い-adjective (-く form)+ても
• な-adjective (stem)/noun+でも
• question word+〜+verb (te-form)+も

How it is used

“Even if”: the result stays the same whatever the condition. Often paired with 「たとえ」 or a question word (「何を言っても」, no matter what). For complaints about something that did happen, use 「〜のに」.

Examples

1. たとえ土砂降りでも行かなければならない。

   I have to go even if it rains cats and dogs.

2. 何回電話しても、彼女は出なかった。

   No matter how many times I called, she didn't pick up.

3. 明日は雨でも、試合はあります。

   Even if it rains tomorrow, the game will still go ahead.