Meaning & Usage
✨ Basic Meaning
Even so, nevertheless, however, despite that
🎯 Primary Function
To introduce a statement or situation that happens or is true despite a preceding statement or situation.
📋 Grammar Structure
[Sentence/Clause 1]. それでも [Sentence/Clause 2].
🎭 Usage Contexts
Formal Situations
Can be used in moderately formal contexts, especially in written language or prepared speeches.
Informal Situations
Frequently used in both casual conversation and less formal writing.
Written Language
Very common in written text to show a concession or contrast.
Spoken Language
Also used in spoken Japanese to link contrasting ideas, often appearing as a cohesive device.
💡 Common Applications
Expressing unexpected outcomes
Used when something happens or is true contrary to what might be expected based on the previous statement.
Example: 雨が降っています。それでも、サッカーの試合は中止になりませんでした。 (Ame ga futte imasu. Soredemo, sakkaa no shiai wa chuushi ni narimasen deshita.) – It’s raining. Even so, the soccer game was not canceled.
Showing determination or persistence
Used to indicate that an action or state continues despite difficulties or opposing factors.
Example: 彼はとても疲れていました。それでも、勉強を続けました。 (Kare wa totemo tsukarete imashita. Soredemo, benkyou o tsuzukemashita.) – He was very tired. Nevertheless, he continued studying.
Introducing a counter-argument or contrasting fact
Used to present a fact or opinion that contrasts with or qualifies the previous statement.
Example: このパソコンは古いです。それでも、まだ使えます。 (Kono pasokon wa furui desu. Soredemo, mada tsukaemasu.) – This computer is old. However, it can still be used.
Frequency
Commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Difficulty
Relatively easy for N4 learners to understand the basic meaning, but requires practice to use naturally in various contexts.
Example Sentences
道がとても混んでいました。それでも、時間通りに着きました。
The road was very crowded. Even so, I arrived on time.
日本語の勉強は難しいです。それでも、毎日頑張っています。
Learning Japanese is difficult. Nevertheless, I’m doing my best every day.
彼女は体調が悪かったです。それでも、仕事に行きました。
She was not feeling well. Despite that, she went to work.
Notes & Nuances
📌 Important Points
Connects full sentences/ideas
それでも typically connects two complete sentences or independent clauses, acting as a conjunctive phrase.
Example: 寒かったです。それでも、外で遊びました。 (Samukatta desu. Soredemo, soto de asobimashita.) – It was cold. Even so, I played outside.
Focus on the result despite the condition
The emphasis is often on the second part of the sentence, highlighting that it occurred or is true despite the condition or situation described in the first part.
Example: 雨が強かった。それでも、彼は傘をささずに歩いた。 (Ame ga tsuyokatta. Soredemo, kare wa kasa o sasazu ni aruita.) – The rain was strong. Even so, he walked without an umbrella.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Using it within a single clause
✅ Use それでも to connect two separate sentences or ideas.
incorrect: 雨が___それでも___降っている (Incorrect: Ame ga soredemo futte iru) – It is still raining (それでも doesn’t fit here). Correct: 雨が降っている。それでも、出かけなければならない。(Ame ga futte iru. Soredemo, dekakenakereba naranai.) – It is raining. Even so, I have to go out.
❌ Confusing it with connecting particles
✅ Understand that それでも is a conjunctive phrase that starts the second sentence, not a particle attached to a word.
Particles like “ても” attach directly to verbs/adjectives. それでも stands alone and connects the preceding idea to the following one.
🏛️ Cultural Context
Politeness Level: Relatively neutral in terms of politeness. Can be used in various situations.
Social Situations: Appropriate for discussions where you acknowledge a point but want to present a contrasting reality or opinion.
Regional Variations: Standard Japanese term, widely understood.
🔍 Subtle Differences
それでも vs. しかし (shikashi)
しかし is generally more formal and often used for stronger contrasts or objections. それでも often implies a sense of persistence or unexpectedness despite a preceding difficulty or condition.
When to use: Use しかし in formal writing or speeches for a clear contrast. Use それでも when highlighting something that happens “in spite of” a preceding fact or difficulty.
それでも vs. けど/けれど (kedo/keredo)
けど/けれど are less formal conjunctions connecting clauses. They can express contrast but also just provide background information. それでも is stronger in emphasizing the “even so” or “despite that” meaning, connecting larger ideas.
When to use: Use けど/けれど for softer, more casual connections within or between sentences. Use それでも when you specifically mean “nevertheless” or “despite that” and want to connect two distinct sentences or ideas.
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📝 Conjugation Notes
それでも itself does not conjugate. It typically follows a completed sentence or clause, which can be in various forms (plain form, ます form, etc.).
🔊 Pronunciation Tips
Pronounced “so-re-de-mo”. The emphasis is relatively even across the syllables.
🧠 Memory Tips
Think of “それ” (that) + “でも” (even/but). “Even with that (situation), this happens.”
Practice Exercises
日本語の勉強は時間がかかります。____、とても楽しいです。
だから
しかし
それで
それでも
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