Genki Grammar #132: Mastering -temo

Introduction

Today, we’ll learn about -temo, a powerful grammar point used to express the idea of “even if” or “no matter.” It’s super useful for showing flexibility or determination in various situations. Let’s dive in and make this easy to understand!

What It Means

The pattern AてもB means “B, even if A”. This shows that B will happen or remain true, regardless of A. Compare this with たら, which has a straightforward “if-then” meaning.

For example:

• 雨が降っても、バーベキューをします。 (Ame ga futtemo, baabekyuu o shimasu)
  We will have a barbecue, even if it rains.
• 雨が降ったら、バーベキューをしません。 (Ame ga futtara, baabekyuu o shimasen)
  If it rains, we will not have a barbecue.

When to Use It

Use -temo when you want to say:

1. Something will happen no matter what.
2. Something is true despite certain conditions.
3. To show a sense of determination or unchanging truth.

You can also use question words like だれ (dare, who) or いつ (itsu, when) to create sentences meaning “no matter who” or “no matter when.”

Examples:

• だれに聞いても、教えてくれませんでした。 (Dare ni kiitemo, oshiete kuremasen deshita)
  No matter who I asked, they didn’t tell me.
• いつ行っても、東京はにぎやかです。 (Itsu ittemo, Toukyou wa nigiyaka desu)
  No matter when you visit, Tokyo is lively.

Examples

1. 暑くても、エアコンをつけません。
   (Atsukute mo, eakon o tsukemasen)
   I won’t turn on the air conditioner, even if it’s hot.
2. 子供でも、わかります。
   (Kodomo demo, wakarimasu)
   Even a child can understand it.
3. かぜをひいていても、毎日授業に行きます。
   (Kaze o hiite itemo, mainichi jugyou ni ikimasu)
   I go to class every day, even if I have a cold.
4. 悲しくても、あきらめません。
   (Kanashikute mo, akirame masen)
   Even if I’m sad, I won’t give up.

Notes

1. Forming a -temo Clause:
   • Verbs: Use the te-form + も.
     • 買う → 買っても (Katte mo)
     • Even if I buy it…
   • い-adjectives: Change い to くて + も.
     • 悲しい → 悲しくても (Kanashikute mo)
     • Even if it’s sad…
   • な-adjectives and nouns: Add でも.
     • 元気 → 元気でも (Genki demo)
     • Even if I’m energetic…
     • 学生 → 学生でも (Gakusei demo)
     • Even if you’re a student…
2. Negative Form:
   Use the short-form negative before も.
   • 買わない → 買わなくても (Kawanakute mo)
     Even if I don’t buy it…
   • 元気じゃない → 元気じゃなくても (Genki janakute mo)
     Even if I’m not energetic…
3. Tense:
   The -temo clause itself doesn’t show tense. The tense appears in the second part of the sentence.
   • かぜをひいていても、授業に行きました。
     (Kaze o hiite itemo, jugyou ni ikimashita)
     I went to class, even if I had a cold.

Conclusion

Using -temo helps you express determination, show flexibility, or make general statements about what stays true despite certain conditions. It’s an important grammar point that adds depth to your sentences. Practice forming both affirmative and negative -temo clauses to feel more confident using them in daily conversations.

Recommended Resources

To deepen your understanding of -temo in Japanese, I recommend the book A Handbook of Japanese Grammar Patterns for Teachers and Learners. This resource provides detailed explanations of various Japanese grammar patterns, including -temo, with practical examples designed for English speakers. It’s well-regarded for its clear and comprehensive approach, making it an excellent tool for mastering Japanese grammar.