1.
even if, even though, no matter
Used to introduce a hypothetical or concessive condition, emphasizing that the outcome won't change regardless of the condition.
Common patterns
- たとえ〜ても: Even if ~ (with te-form + も)
- たとえ〜でも: Even if ~ (with noun/na-adjective + でも)
- たとえ〜としても: Even assuming that ~
Similar words
- もし: if, a plain condition. たとえ means "even if" and needs 〜ても/〜でも/〜としても to complete it; it stresses that the outcome holds whatever the condition.
- 仮に: supposing; more formal
Watch out
The noun 例え (an example, a metaphor) has the same reading; the adverb is normally written in kana.