とも
Even if, No matter
Structure
Verb［なく
［な］Adjective + であろう + とも
［い］Adjective［く］(1) + とも
(1) ［い］Adjective［かろう］
Explanation
The particle とも can function as a sentence-ending particle, a conjunction, or an adverbial particle. Despite these different classifications, its core meaning is largely consistent and depends on the type of word it follows. In almost any use, とも carries the meaning of 'even if (A)' or 'no matter (A),' highlighting that '(B) happens regardless of (A)'.
When functioning as a conjunction particle, とも attaches to the volitional form of a verb (う or よう endings), or to the く-form of an い-adjective.
- 誰が反対しようとも、私はこの計画を進めます。No matter who opposes it, I will proceed with this plan.
- どんなに雨が降ろうとも、試合は行われます。No matter how hard it rains, the match will be held.
- そのかばんはいくら高くとも、買いたい。No matter how expensive that bag is, I want to buy it.
- どんなに困難であろうとも、彼は決して夢を諦めない。No matter how difficult it may be, he will never give up on his dream.
Its use as an adverbial particle is limited, appearing only after the く-form of い-adjectives and certain adverbs. You should avoid creating new combinations with adverbs unless you have encountered them in native use.
Examples
たとえ雨が降ろうとも、イベントは開催されることになっている。
Even if it rains, the event is scheduled to be held.
どんなに反対されようとも、彼は自分の意見を曲げないだろう。
No matter how much opposition he faces, he probably won't change his opinion.
たとえ貧しかろうとも、心まで貧しくなってはいけない。
Even if you are poor, you mustn't let your spirit become poor as well.
誰が何と言おうとも、私はあなたの味方です。
No matter what anyone says, I am on your side.
相手がどんな強敵であろうとも、最後まで戦いぬく覚悟だ。
No matter what a formidable opponent they may be, I'm prepared to fight to the very end.
夢の実現が遠かろうとも、あきらめるわけにはいかない。
Even if the realization of my dream is far away, I can't just give up.
たとえ失敗しようとも、そこから学ぶことがあれば無駄ではない。
Even if you fail, it's not a waste as long as you learn something from it.
彼の言葉が信じられなくとも、一度は耳を傾けるべきだ。
Even if you can't believe his words, you should at least listen to him once.
連絡がなかろうとも、彼女が無事だと信じている。
Even if there is no contact, I believe that she is safe.
どんなに状況が悪化しようとも、希望を捨ててはいけない。
No matter how much the situation worsens, you must not give up hope.
ゴールが見えなくとも、ただひたすら前に進むしかない。
Even if you can't see the goal, you have no choice but to keep moving forward.
たとえ一人になろうとも、私はこの場所を守り続ける。
Even if I become the only one left, I will continue to protect this place.