# にしても～にしても: whether… or… > Learn how to use にしても～にしても, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning whether… or…, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-ni-shitemo-ni-shitemo/ **にしても～にしても** means **whether… or…**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **present alternatives and say both lead to the same point**. This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **にしても～にしても** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis. ## What does にしても～にしても mean? Use **にしても～にしても** when you want to **present alternatives and say both lead to the same point**. Natural translations include: - whether… or… - depending on context - in a way that matches the speaker's emphasis The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas. ## How to form にしても～にしても Plain form + にしても + Plain form + にしても Examples of the pattern: - 行くにしても行かないにしても - メールにしても電話にしても - 賛成するにしても反対するにしても In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form. ## When is にしても～にしても used? Use **にしても～にしても** in situations like: - reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays - making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would - connecting two ideas with a clear nuance Tone and register: - usually neutral to formal - common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing ## にしても～にしても example sentences - 行くにしても行かないにしても、早く決めてください。 — Whether you go or not, please decide soon. - メールにしても電話にしても、連絡は必要だ。 — Whether by email or phone, contact is necessary. - 賛成するにしても反対するにしても、理由を聞きたい。 — Whether you agree or disagree, I want to hear your reason. - 一人で作るにしてもチームで作るにしても、時間はかかる。 — Whether making it alone or as a team, it takes time. - 国内にしても海外にしても、旅行には準備が必要だ。 — Whether domestic or overseas, travel requires preparation. After reading each sentence, ask what job **にしても～にしても** is doing. Is it limiting, adding, conceding, asserting, or describing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation. ## Nuance of にしても～にしても The key nuance is **present alternatives and say both lead to the same point**. This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship. For example: - In formal writing, **にしても～にしても** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent. - Compared with **にしろ～にしろ**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar. ## にしても～にしても vs にしろ～にしろ Both **にしても～にしても** and **にしろ～にしろ** can express related ideas, but they are different. **にしても～にしても**: - fits the N2 nuance explained above - often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic **にしろ～にしろ**: - is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register - may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence Quick contrast examples: - 行くにしても行かないにしても、早く決めてください。 - Try rewriting the sentence with **にしろ～にしろ** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes. ## Common mistakes with にしても～にしても Watch out for these mistakes: - Translating it too literally and missing the function in context - Confusing it with **にしろ～にしろ** just because the English translation overlaps - Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **にしても～にしても**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words. ## Is にしても～にしても on the JLPT? Yes. **にしても～にしても** is commonly taught as **JLPT N2** grammar. That means learners should be able to: - recognize it in reading - understand its nuance in context - use it in simple original sentences For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone. ## Practice questions for にしても～にしても Try making your own sentences with these prompts: - Write one sentence that clearly needs **にしても～にしても**. - Write a second sentence with **にしろ～にしろ** and compare the nuance. - Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural. ## Learning path for にしても～にしても To learn **にしても～にしても** efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern's real function. 1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural. 2. Then compare **にしても～にしても** with **にしろ～にしろ** and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families. 3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes **にしても～にしても** necessary. ## Related grammar to review next - [にしろ～にしろ](/blog/n2-ni-shiro-ni-shiro/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [にせよ / にしろ](/blog/n2-ni-seyo-ni-shiro/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n3 ni shite mo](/blog/n3-ni-shite-mo/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register ## Learn にしても～にしても with Hane If you want to review **にしても～にしても** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)