# それでも: even so; nevertheless > Learn how to use それでも, a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar point meaning even so; nevertheless, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N4 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n4-sore-demo/ **それでも** means **even so; nevertheless**. It is a **JLPT N4** Japanese grammar pattern used to express “even so; but still” in natural Japanese. This grammar point often appears in conversation, written explanations, formal notices, and JLPT-style reading questions. If you want to express “even so; but still” in natural Japanese, **それでも** is a useful pattern to learn after the N5 basics. ## What does それでも mean? Use **それでも** when you want to express that something happens or is true despite a contrary situation. Natural translations include: - but still - and yet - even so The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on what the grammar point does in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural. ## How to form それでも **それでも** is a standalone conjunction. It typically follows a complete statement, or begins a new sentence when the prior context is already understood.

Sentence.

それでも

Sentence

It can also appear at the start of a sentence on its own:

それでも

Sentence

## When is それでも used? Use **それでも** in situations like: - explaining a condition, reason, decision, comparison, or time relationship - making a sentence more specific than a basic N5 pattern - understanding natural Japanese in conversation or reading Tone and register: - neutral unless the grammar itself is marked as casual, humble, honorific, or formal - common in daily speech, textbook examples, and JLPT N4 reading questions ## それでも example sentences

雨が降っています。それでも行きます。

It is raining. Even so, I will go.

concession

日本語は難しいです。それでも楽しいです。

Japanese is difficult. Even so, it is fun.

contrast

失敗しました。それでもあきらめません。

I failed. Even so, I will not give up.

resolve

忙しいです。それでも毎日勉強します。

I am busy. Even so, I study every day.

habit

高いです。それでも買いたいです。

It is expensive. Even so, I want to buy it.

desire

After reading each sentence, ask what job **それでも** is doing: showing that the second statement holds despite the first. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation. ## Nuance of それでも The key nuance is **even so; but still in a sentence-specific context**. This matters because **それでも** may look simple in English, but the Japanese form tells you whether the speaker is describing a time, a condition, a decision, a possibility, a contrast, or a social relationship. For example: - In context, **それでも** helps make the sentence more precise than a direct English translation. - Compared with **しかし**, it has a different focus even when both patterns appear in similar sentences. ## それでも vs しかし Both **それでも** and **しかし** can appear in related sentences, but they are different.

それでも

carries the specific nuance explained above; softer and more conversational

雨が降っています。それでも行きます。

It is raining. Even so, I will go.

しかし

a more direct, formal “however”; useful for comparison because learners often mix it up, and it may use a different form, tone, or sentence focus

If you are unsure which one to use, identify the main job of the sentence before translating it into English. ## Common mistakes with それでも

❌

Using それでも with the wrong verb, noun, or adjective form.

✅

Use それでも as a standalone conjunction between two independent sentences.

❌

Confusing それでも with しかし only because the English translation looks similar.

✅

Check the tone and sentence focus: それでも is softer and context-driven, while しかし is stronger and more formal.

❌

Translating それでも too literally without reading the whole sentence context.

✅

Read the full surrounding context to confirm the speaker is expressing “even so” against a prior statement.

A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel. ## Is それでも on the JLPT?

Yes. それでも is connected to JLPT N4 grammar.

Recognize it in reading
Understand its nuance in context
Use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.

## Practice questions for それでも

Write one sentence using the basic pattern.

production

Change the sentence into polite or casual style if possible.

Compare it with the related pattern from the comparison section.

contrast

Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear. ## Learning path for それでも

Decide whether それでも presents a real condition, a general rule, a one-time situation, or an “even if” contrast.

Make one short sentence with それでも, then compare it with 場合は to see how the nuance changes.

Add なら or たら to the mix and observe how the result clause shifts the meaning.

For practice, write one sentence that uses それでも in its most literal meaning, one sentence that changes the subject or time expression, and one sentence that contrasts it with one of the related patterns below.

## Related grammar to review next - [場合は](/blog/n4-baai-wa/) — helps contrast different ways to build conditions, exceptions, and “even if” sentences. - [なら](/blog/n4-nara/) — helps contrast different ways to build conditions, exceptions, and “even if” sentences. - [たら](/blog/n4-tara/) — helps contrast different ways to build conditions, exceptions, and “even if” sentences. - [と](/blog/n4-to-conditional/) — helps contrast different ways to build conditions, exceptions, and “even if” sentences. ## Learn それでも with Hane If you want to review **それでも** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N4 grammar lessons](/blog/n4/)