～てでも
Even if I have to, By any or all means, No matter what
Structure
Explanation
てでも is formed by combining the て-form of a verb with the prefix adverbial particle でも. It is used to mean 'by any means necessary', or 'even if it means (doing A)'. When attached to a verb, てでも strongly emphasizes the speaker's conviction to accomplish something, regardless of the difficulty or potential negative outcomes involved. It showcases an unwavering determination to see something through.
- 借金をしてでも、この車を買いたいです。I want to buy this car, even if it means going into debt.
- 嘘をついてでも、友達を守りたい。I want to protect my friend, even if I have to lie.
- 仕事を辞めてでも、自分の夢を追いかけたい。I want to chase my dream, even if I have to quit my job.
Because てでも communicates such a powerful resolve, it frequently appears with other expressions of volition or desire, like たい, ほしい, or ようと思う.
Fun-fact
Although てでも has a somewhat colloquial feel when compared to the standard ても form, the fundamental structure of a verb's て-form plus an adverbial particle is a common way to add emphasis or contrast. This is seen quite often with ては in well-known grammar patterns such as てはいけない or てはだめ.
Examples
借金をしてでも、この限定スニーカーが欲しい。
Even if I have to go into debt, I want these limited-edition sneakers.
親友を守るためなら、嘘をついてでも構わない。
If it's to protect my best friend, I don't mind even if I have to lie.
徹夜してでも、このレポートを明日までに仕上げなければならない。
Even if I have to pull an all-nighter, I must finish this report by tomorrow.
少し無理をしてでも、このチャンスを掴むべきだ。
You should seize this chance, even if it means pushing yourself a little too hard.
周りの人に嫌われてでも、自分の意見は伝えるべきだ。
You should express your opinion even if it makes people around you dislike you.
ゴールまであと少しだ。這ってでもたどり着いてみせる！
The goal is just a little further. I'll get there even if I have to crawl!
自分の時間を犠牲にしてでも、家族を支えたい。
I want to support my family, even if it means sacrificing my own time.
他の予定をキャンセルしてでも、そのコンサートには行くべきだよ。
You should go to that concert, even if you have to cancel your other plans.
どんな手を使ってでも、試合には勝つ。
By any means necessary, I will win this match.
規則を破ってでも助けに行くのが本当のヒーローだ。
A true hero is someone who goes to help, even if it means breaking the rules.
このパソコンを買うためなら、古いゲームを売ってでもお金を作るよ。
To buy this computer, I'll raise the money even if I have to sell my old games.
会社をクビになってでも、この不正は許せない。
Even if I get fired from the company, I cannot forgive this injustice.