としても - Grammar Discussion

even if (we assume)
assuming
also as

Structure

  • Verb + としても
  • いAdj + としても
  • なAdj + (だ) としても
  • Noun + (だ) としても

:warning: Sometimes older speakers add だ for emphasis
creating としてもだ.

A としても B - Even if we assume (hypothetical) A, it would still be B.

[ としても → implies even if something is (already) the case・ にしても → implies even if something becomes the case*]
[The end state/resultant state (either static or dynamic) is what determines which is used]

*There are some exceptions

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What’s the nuance between this and ても? Is this purely hypothetical or something?

edit: yeah, I’m pretty sure that is the case. I think that the grammar page should state that so it’s more clear.

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Hey @onekun !

Yes, としても has a stronger nuance that something is hypothetical, and it is used when making assumptions.
Although they have a very similar translation, they are not interchangeable because of the difference in the nuance.

For example, たとえ出来るとしても、やらないだろう。has a stronger nuance that being able to ‘do it’ is hypothetical, compared to たとえ出来ても、やらないだろう。

We hope that answers your question!