# にしたところで / としたところで: even if; even supposing that ~ > Learn how to use にしたところで/としたところで, a JLPT N1 Japanese grammar point meaning even if, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N1 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n1-ni-shita-tokoro-de-to-shita-tokoro-de/ **にしたところで / としたところで** means **even if; even supposing that ~**. It is a **JLPT N1** Japanese grammar pattern used to show that even under a certain assumption or condition, the outcome would be the same — usually negative or unchanged. This grammar point often appears in arguments, essays, formal conversations, and JLPT N1 reading passages. If you want to counter someone’s expectation or emphasize that a situation won’t improve no matter what, **にしたところで / としたところで** is a useful pattern to learn because it adds natural precision to your Japanese.
Even if you memorise every rule, you won’t use にしたところで / としたところで naturally without understanding the speaker’s point of view.
## What does にしたところで / としたところで mean? Use **にしたところで / としたところで** when you want to express that **even if a particular condition were true, it wouldn’t change the result**. It often carries a dismissive or resigned tone — the speaker implies that the proposed scenario is irrelevant or wouldn’t help. Natural translations include: - even if; even supposing that; no matter how; even with The choice between にしたところで (noun) and としたところで (verb/adjective) depends on what word you attach it to, but the core meaning stays the same. Always check what the speaker is pushing back against — that’s the best clue. ## How to form にしたところで / としたところで The pattern splits by part of speech: - **Noun + にしたところで** - **Verb (plain form) + としたところで** - **い-adjective + としたところで** - **な-adjective + (だ)としたところで**
Noun + にしたところで
Verb (辞書(じしょ)形(けい) / ない形(かたち) etc.) + としたところで
For adjectives: - 高たかい → 高い(たかい)としたところで - 静しずか → 静か(しずか)だとしたところで (often なとしたところで is also used) In JLPT questions, the wrong choices often pair the wrong particle with the wrong word class — so pay attention to whether you’re attaching to a noun (use に) or a predicate (use と). ## When is にしたところで / としたところで used? Use **にしたところで / としたところで** in situations like: - countering an optimistic suggestion (“Even if you start now …”) - dismissing a hypothetical scenario as irrelevant - expressing resignation or frustration — the result won’t change - adding emphasis in persuasive written arguments Tone and register: - slightly formal; very common in debates, editorials, and critical writing - sounds dismissive or forceful in casual speech, so use with care - appears in JLPT N1 reading comprehension and grammar sections ## にしたところで / としたところで example sentences
今(いま)から走はしったとしたところで、間まに合あわない。
Even if you run now, you won't make it in time.
N1
もし勝かったにしたところで、次つぎの試合しあいには勝かてないだろう。
Even if we won, we probably wouldn’t win the next match.
高たかいとしたところで、質しつが良よいとは限かぎらない。
Even if it’s expensive, that doesn’t necessarily mean the quality is good.
あの店みせにしたところで、品揃しなぞろえはあまり変かわらない。
Even if it were that shop, the selection wouldn’t be much different.
謝あやまったとしたところで、もう遅おそい。
Even if you apologise now, it’s already too late.
彼かれにしたところで、事情じじょうがわかっていなかったのかもしれない。
Even in his case, he might not have understood the situation.
After reading each sentence, ask what the speaker is dismissing. The meaning becomes clearer when you spot why they think the scenario won’t change the outcome. ## Nuance of にしたところで / としたところで The key nuance is **the proposed condition is insufficient to alter the result**. It’s not just “if” — it’s “even if that unlikely or favourable thing happened, it still wouldn’t help.” This matters because learners sometimes confuse it with neutral conditionals like 〜たら or 〜ば. にしたところで / としたところで adds a layer of **scepticism or resignation**. You are saying, “Your scenario doesn’t change anything; stop clinging to it.” In context: - Often used when someone makes a weak excuse or a hopeful suggestion. - It can sound harsh, so in friendly conversations it’s often softened or replaced with にしても. - In formal writing, it’s a powerful tool to refute counterarguments.
⚠️
This pattern almost always leads to a negative or dismissive conclusion. It’s rare to use it with a positive outcome unless you’re making a contrastive point.
## にしたところで / としたところで vs にしても Both **にしたところで / としたところで** and **にしても** mean “even if,” but they differ in strength and attitude.
にしたところで / としたところで
emphasis on futility; the assumed condition won’t change the outcome
used when rejecting a scenario or dismissing its relevance
今(いま)から勉強(べんきょう)したとしたところで、合格(ごうかく)は無理(むり)だ。
Even if you study now, passing is impossible.
にしても
more neutral; acknowledges the condition but adds a reservation
used when granting a point while adding a counterpoint, often softened
今(いま)から勉強(べんきょう)するにしても、集中(しゅうちゅう)できないだろう。
Even if you do study now, you probably can’t concentrate.
Quick contrast: - 高い(たかい)にしたところで / 高い(たかい)としたところで → even if it’s expensive (implying the price doesn’t justify anything, or it’s still not good) - 高い(たかい)にしても → even if it’s expensive (admitting the price is high, but there might be other reasons to consider) If both translations seem possible, check the tone: if the sentence feels like it’s shutting down a possibility, **にしたところで / としたところで** is the better fit. If it’s a softer counter, **にしても** is safer. ## Common mistakes with にしたところで / としたところで
❌ Noun + としたところで
Using と with a noun when に is required.
✅ Noun + にしたところで
Attach に to nouns, と to verbs/adjectives.
❌ あの人(ひと)にしたところで、親切(しんせつ)だ。
Trying to use the pattern positively — unnatural unless you’re explicitly contrasting.
✅ あの人(ひと)にしたところで、そんなに親切(しんせつ)ではない。
Even that person isn’t that kind. Negative conclusion fits the nuance.
A helpful practice method: write a sentence with にしても, then rewrite it with にしたところで / としたところで. Notice how the dismissal gets stronger. If you can explain that difference, you’ve grasped the nuance. ## Is にしたところで / としたところで on the JLPT?
N1

Appears in:

  • Reading sections (editorials, argumentative passages)
  • Grammar questions (particle choice, sentence completion)
  • Occasionally in listening when the speaker rejects a suggestion
Yes. **にしたところで / としたところで** is firmly **JLPT N1** grammar. Test makers love it because it tests both the particle distinction (に vs と) and the ability to recognise a dismissive stance. Expect to see it near contrasting opinions or as a choice in sentence-completion problems. For preparation, focus on identifying the speaker’s **attitude** — if the tone is “that wouldn’t help,” it’s likely this pattern. ## Practice questions for にしたところで / としたところで
1 Write a sentence using にしたところで about a famous person — argue that even they couldn’t solve a certain problem. N1
2 Use としたところで to counter someone who says “just try harder.” Make the outcome clearly unfixable. N1
3 Create one example with an adjective + としたところで, showing that the quality alone doesn’t guarantee a good result. N1
4 Now take that sentence and rewrite it with にしても. How does the tone shift? N1
Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the dismissive nuance becomes clear. ## Learning path for にしたところで / としたところで
1
Master formation. Know when to use に (nouns) and と (verbs, adjectives). Quiz yourself by attaching random words.
2
Compare with にしても. Use the contrast examples above. Practise switching between them with the same situation to feel the nuance shift.
3
Listen for dismissal. In JLPT reading and real conversations, notice how the pattern shuts down a suggestion. Underline it and write your own counter-example.
4
Produce natural sentences. Write a short paragraph where you argue against a common belief, using にしたところで/としたところで twice naturally.
## Related grammar to review next - [に](/blog/n1-ni/) — because it also marks the target or basis of an evaluation, often followed by a negative judgement - [に値(あたい)する](/blog/n1-ni-atai-suru/) — because it evaluates whether something is worth doing, and often pairs with a rebuttal - [にあって](/blog/n1-ni-atte/) — because it sets a situation or state, and can be countered with にしたところで - [にひきかえ](/blog/n1-ni-hikikae/) — because it contrasts situations, often with a dismissive second clause ## Learn にしたところで / としたところで with Hane If you want to review **にしたところで / としたところで** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N1 grammar lessons](/blog/n1/)