にしても
Even though, Even if, Even when, Also
Structure
［い］Adjective + にしても
［な］Adjective + にしても
Noun + にしても
Explanation
Just as にしては presents a contrast with (A), swapping は for the adverbial particle も intensifies the feeling that (B) is an unexpected or surprising outcome, given the circumstances of (A). This usage still carries the nuance of the case marking particle に, indicating a specific point or situation.
にしても can be translated as 'even for (A), (B)' or 'granting (A), (B) is still the case'. It attaches to nouns directly and to the plain form of verbs and adjectives. Although it originates from multiple particles, にして is frequently treated as a single adverbial particle.
- いくら安いにしても、いらない物は買うべきではない。Even if it is cheap, you shouldn't buy things you don't need.
- 初心者にしても、そのミスはひどすぎる。Even for a beginner, that mistake is just too awful.
- 好きじゃないにしても、食べ物を残さないでください。Even if you don't like it, please don't leave food on your plate.
- この部屋は広いにしても、家賃が高すぎる。Even granting that this room is spacious, the rent is way too high.
にしても is frequently paired with interrogative words such as どこ, どの, だれ, なに, and so on. This combination expresses the idea that '(B) is true, regardless of the unknown or unspecified variable (A)'.
- 何を食べるにしても、よく噛んで食べなさい。No matter what you're eating, be sure to chew it well.
- 誰の意見を聞くにしても、最終的には自分で決めなければならない。No matter whose opinion you listen to, in the end, you have to decide for yourself.
Caution
In contrast to としても, which will be discussed in a separate lesson, にしても can be used to introduce unrelated information. This is because にしても treats (A) as a given fact, while (B) is presented as an additional, coexisting fact that is not necessarily a direct consequence. としても, however, implies that (B) is a direct result or conclusion based on the condition set by (A).
- たくさん勉強したとしても、試験に合格するとは限らない。Even if you study a lot, it's not guaranteed that you will pass the exam. (Passing is a direct potential outcome of studying)
- たくさん勉強したにしても、もう少し遊んだほうがいい。Even if you did study a lot, you should still have a little fun. (Studying and having fun are presented as two separate, coexisting ideas)
Examples
エルメスのバッグにしても、中古でこの価格はありえないよ。
Even if it's an Hermès bag, this price is unbelievable for a used one.
いくら急ぐにしても、赤信号は守るべきだ。
Even if you're in a hurry, you should still obey red lights.
冗談にしても、人が傷つくようなことを言ってはいけない。
Even if it's a joke, you shouldn't say things that hurt people's feelings.
断るにしても、もう少し丁寧な言い方があるだろう。
Even if you're going to refuse, there's a more polite way to say it.
忙しいにしても、食事ぐらいはちゃんと取りなさい。
Even if you're busy, you should at least eat a proper meal.
謝るにしても、もっと誠意を見せるべきだ。
Even if you're going to apologize, you should show more sincerity.
会社を辞めるにしても、引き継ぎはきちんとしないと。
Even if you're going to quit the company, you have to do the handover properly.
出発するにしても、肝心なパスポートがなければ行けないよ。
Even if we were to depart now, we can't go without our essential passports.
引っ越すにしても、予算が限られているから広い部屋は無理だ。
Even if I decide to move, my budget is limited, so a spacious room is impossible.
明日は晴れるか雨か分からない。いずれにしても、イベントの準備は進めないと。
I don't know if it will be sunny or rainy tomorrow. In any case, we have to proceed with the event preparations.
誰と話すにしても、言葉遣いには気をつけるべきだ。
No matter who you speak to, you should be careful with your choice of words.
どれを選ぶにしても、品質と価格のバランスが重要だ。
No matter which one you choose, the balance between quality and price is important.