# それにしても: even so; at any rate > Learn how to use それにしても, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning even so; at any rate, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-sore-ni-shitemo/ **それにしても** means **even so; at any rate**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **acknowledge a situation while adding surprise or a separate comment**. This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **それにしても** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis. ## What does それにしても mean? Use **それにしても** when you want to **acknowledge a situation while adding surprise or a separate comment**. Natural translations include: - even so; at any rate - 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 それにしても それにしても + sentence Examples of the pattern: - 遅れるとは聞いていた。それにしても - 初めてとはいえ - 忙しいのは分かる。それにしても 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 それにしても used? Use **それにしても** 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, depending on the expression - common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing ## それにしても example sentences - 遅れるとは聞いていた。それにしても、三時間は長すぎる。 — I heard it would be delayed. Even so, three hours is too long. - 初めてとはいえ、それにしても上手だ。 — Even considering it's your first time, you're really good. - 忙しいのは分かる。それにしても、連絡はしてほしかった。 — I understand you're busy. Even so, I wanted you to contact me. - それにしても、今日は暑いですね。 — At any rate, it's hot today. - 説明は受けた。それにしても、まだ納得できない。 — I received an explanation. Even so, I still can't accept it. After reading each sentence, ask what job **それにしても** is doing. Is it adding, excluding, warning, emphasizing, or showing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation. ## Nuance of それにしても The key nuance is **acknowledge a situation while adding surprise or a separate comment**. 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, **それにしても** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent. - Compared with **それでも**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar. ## それにしても vs それでも Both **それにしても** and **それでも** can express related ideas, but they are different. **それにしても**: - fits the N2 nuance explained above - often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic **それでも**: - is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register - may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence Quick contrast examples: - 遅れるとは聞いていた。それにしても、三時間は長すぎる。 - Try rewriting the sentence with **それでも** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes. ## Common mistakes with それにしても Watch out for these mistakes: - Translating it too literally and missing the function in context - Confusing it with **それでも** 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 **それにしても**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words. ## Is それにしても on the JLPT? Yes. **それにしても** 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 それにしても Try making your own sentences with these prompts: - Write one sentence that clearly needs **それにしても**. - Write a second sentence with **それでも** and compare the nuance. - Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural. ## Learning path for それにしても To learn **それにしても** 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 **それにしても** with **それでも** 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 **それにしても** necessary. ## Related grammar to review next - [n3 ni shite mo](/blog/n3-ni-shite-mo/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n4 sore demo](/blog/n4-sore-demo/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [それなのに](/blog/n2-sore-na-noni/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register ## Learn それにしても with Hane If you want to review **それにしても** 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/)