Translation guide
A guide to expressing 'even though' in Japanese, covering contrast, concession, and unexpected results.
Expressing that something happens or is true despite another fact or situation.
Attaches to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, and nouns. Often carries a nuance of surprise, disappointment, or complaint.
雨が降っているのに、彼は出かけた。
Even though it's raining, he went out.
彼女は忙しいのに、手伝ってくれた。
Even though she's busy, she helped me.
Used with verbs (て-form + も) and adjectives/nouns (て-form + も). Indicates 'even if' or 'even though'. More general than のに, without the emotional nuance.
説明書を読んでも、使い方がわからない。
Even though I read the manual, I don't understand how to use it.
高くても、買いたい。
Even though it's expensive, I want to buy it.
Formal pattern meaning 'in spite of' or 'despite'. Used in writing and formal speech.
悪天候にもかかわらず、試合は行われた。
Even though the weather was bad, the game was held.
Casual and often derogatory. Expresses criticism or contempt. Used for people, not inanimate things.
Can sound rude. Avoid in polite conversation.
彼は何も知らないくせに、偉そうに話す。
Even though he knows nothing, he talks arrogantly.
Conceding a point before making a contrasting statement, similar to 'even though it might be true'.
Means 'even assuming that' or 'even if it is the case that'. Used to concede a hypothetical situation.
それが本当だとしても、許せない。
Even though that might be true, I can't forgive it.
のに often implies an emotional reaction (surprise, regret, complaint), while ても is more neutral and factual. Use のに when the result is contrary to expectation and you want to express a feeling about it.
一生懸命勉強したのに、不合格だった。
Even though I studied hard, I failed (and I'm disappointed).
一生懸命勉強しても、不合格だった。
Even though I studied hard, I failed (stating a fact).
English 'even though' cannot be directly translated word-for-word. Use the patterns above. Do not use さえ or も alone to mean 'even though'.
寒かったのに、泳ぎに行った。
Even though it was cold, I went swimming.
疲れているけど、仕事を続ける。
Even though I'm tired, I'll keep working.
Using けど (casual) instead of のに is also common in conversation.
Similar to としても, but slightly more colloquial. Means 'even if' or 'even though'.
忙しいにしても、電話くらいできるだろう。
Even though you're busy, you could at least call.
English 'even though' cannot be directly translated word-for-word. Use the patterns above. Do not use さえ or も alone to mean 'even though'.