Translation guide
Expresses that something happens or is true despite what was just said. In Japanese, this is often conveyed with sentence-initial conjunctions like それでも or にもかかわらず, or with contrastive particles and structures.
The most common, neutral way to say 'nevertheless' in conversation or writing, indicating that the following statement holds true regardless of the previous statement.
Literally 'even so'. A very common, slightly casual to neutral conjunction used at the start of a sentence.
雨が降っていた。それでも彼は出かけた。
It was raining. Nevertheless, he went out.
A more formal or written expression meaning 'in spite of that'. Can follow a clause directly or start a new sentence.
彼は病気だった。にもかかわらず、会議に出席した。
He was sick. Nevertheless, he attended the meeting.
Expresses 'and yet' or 'but still', often with a nuance of surprise or frustration. Common in spoken Japanese.
たくさん勉強した。それなのに、試験に落ちた。
I studied a lot. Nevertheless, I failed the exam.
Used to concede a point but then add a contrasting statement. Similar to 'that said' or 'having said that'. More common in writing or formal speech.
彼は有能だ。とはいえ、経験が足りない。
He is capable. Nevertheless, he lacks experience.
When 'nevertheless' is used to connect two clauses within a single sentence, often translated with ても/でも or のに.
Attach to the te-form of verbs/i-adjectives or use でも after nouns/na-adjectives. Means 'even if/though'. The following clause states the result that occurs despite that condition.
雨が降っても、出かけます。
Even if it rains, I'll go out. (Nevertheless, I'll go out.)
高くても、買います。
Even if it's expensive, I'll buy it.
Attach to the plain form of verbs/i-adjectives, or な/である for nouns/na-adjectives. Expresses 'although' or 'despite the fact that', often with a nuance of unexpectedness or complaint.
彼は病気なのに、働いている。
Although he is sick, he is working. (Nevertheless, he is working.)
In formal writing or speeches, 'nevertheless' can be expressed with more literary conjunctions.
A formal version of しかし, meaning 'however' or 'nevertheless'. Used in speeches, academic writing, or business contexts.
この計画にはリスクがある。しかしながら、実行すべきだ。
There are risks in this plan. Nevertheless, we should carry it out.
それでも is the most common and neutral way to say 'nevertheless' in everyday conversation. にもかかわらず is more formal and often used in writing or formal speeches. それなのに adds a nuance of personal frustration or surprise.
彼は約束した。それでも来なかった。
He promised. Nevertheless, he didn't come.
彼は約束した。にもかかわらず、来なかった。
He promised. Nevertheless, he didn't come. (more formal)
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'nevertheless' in all contexts. Translating it as しかし (however) alone often misses the concessive nuance. Use それでも or にもかかわらず to explicitly convey 'in spite of that'.
A slightly more emphatic version of にもかかわらず, often used in formal writing.
証拠は不十分だった。それにもかかわらず、彼は有罪とされた。
The evidence was insufficient. Nevertheless, he was found guilty.