～ても～なくても
Whether ~ or not
Structure
Explanation
Alongside かどうか, the grammar pattern ～ても～なくても is used to express 'whether or not'. It communicates that an outcome will remain the same by presenting two opposing conditions: 'even if (A) happens' and 'even if (A) does not happen'.
This structure is used almost exclusively with verbs. A key point is that the same verb must be used in both its affirmative て-form and its negative form.
- あなたが参加しても参加しなくても、イベントは開催されます。The event will be held whether or not you participate.
- 服を買っても買わなくても、お金はすぐに無くなる。Regardless of whether or not I buy clothes, my money disappears right away.
- 彼が手伝っても手伝わなくても、この仕事は今日中に終わらせないと。Whether he helps or not, I have to finish this work by the end of today.
Examples
食べても食べなくても、学校には行かなきゃだめだよ。
Whether you eat or not, you still have to go to school.
この本は読んでも読まなくても、映画を見ればだいたい分かる。
Whether you read this book or not, you can pretty much understand the story if you watch the movie.
田中さんが来ても来なくても、パーティーは始めますよ。
Whether Mr. Tanaka comes or not, we're starting the party.
勝っても勝たなくても、最後まで頑張ることが大事だ。
Whether you win or not, the important thing is to do your best until the very end.
できてもできなくても、挑戦することに意味がある。
Whether you can do it or not, there's meaning in the act of trying.
経験があってもなくても、この仕事は誰でも応募できます。
Whether you have experience or not, anyone can apply for this job.
手伝っても手伝わなくても、今日中には終わるから大丈夫だよ。
Whether you help me or not, it's fine; I'll finish it by the end of today anyway.
リーダーがいてもいなくても、チームはきちんと機能するべきだ。
Whether the leader is here or not, the team should function properly.
雨が降っても降らなくても、イベントは開催されます。
Whether it rains or not, the event will be held.
参加してもしなくても、会費は払わなければなりません。
Whether you participate or not, you still have to pay the fee.
間に合っても間に合わなくても、とりあえず駅まで走ろう。
Whether we make it in time or not, let's just run to the station for now.
分かっても分からなくても、まずは最後まで聞いてください。
Whether you understand or not, please just listen to the end first.