でも〜でも
Whether ~ or, Neither ~ or
Structure
［な］Adjective + でも + ［な］Adjective + でも
Noun (A) + でも + Noun (B) + でも
［い］Adjective［て］ + も + ［い］Adjective［て］ + も + Phrase［ない］
［な］Adjective + でも + ［な］Adjective + でも + Phrase［ない］
Noun (A) + でも + Noun (B) + でも + Phrase［ない］
Explanation
Using the adverbial particle でも multiple times in a row expands on its basic function of providing an example. In this grammar pattern, it presents several possibilities.
This usage of でも is commonly translated as 'whether it's (A) or (B)' in a positive sentence, and 'neither (A) nor (B)' in a negative one.
- コーヒーでもお茶でもいいから、何か飲みたいです。Whether it's coffee or tea, I'd like something to drink.
- 数学でも理科でも、テストは好きじゃない。Whether it's math or science, I don't like tests.
Literally, the meaning of 〜でも〜でも is closer to this:
Even if the choice is (A), and even if the choice is (B), (C) will happen. (For positive sentences)
Even if the choice is (A), and even if the choice is (B), (C) will not happen. (For negative sentences)
Examples
ラーメンでも、うどんでも、温かい麺なら何でもいいです。
Whether it's ramen or udon, any kind of hot noodles is fine.
友達でも、家族でも、誰かに相談したほうがいいよ。
You should talk to someone, whether it's a friend or family.
晴れでも、雨でも、イベントは行われます。
The event will be held, whether it's sunny or rainy.
ペンでも、鉛筆でもいいので、何か書くものを貸してください。
Whether it's a pen or a pencil, please lend me something to write with.
山でも海でも、自然がある場所ならどこへでも行きたい。
I'd love to go anywhere with nature, whether it's the mountains or the sea.
彼は肉でも魚でも、何でもよく食べます。
He eats just about anything, whether it's meat or fish.
赤でも、青でも、あなたには明るい色が似合うね。
Bright colors suit you, whether red or blue.
読書でも、映画でも、家でゆっくりできることが好きだ。
Whether it's reading or watching a movie, I like activities I can do to relax at home.
コーヒーでも、紅茶でも、緑茶でも、温かい飲み物をください。
I'd like a hot drink, whether it's coffee, black tea, or green tea.
今日でも、明日でも、ご都合のいい時に連絡ください。
Please contact me whenever is convenient for you, whether it's today or tomorrow.
母はＴシャツでもセーターでも、何でも自分で作ってしまう。
My mother can make anything herself, whether it's a T-shirt or a sweater.
公園でも、図書館でも、静かな場所ならどこでも勉強できる。
I can study anywhere as long as it's quiet, whether it's a park or a library.