JLPTMainichi JLPT
English
JLPT N3 · Conditionals (if / when)

にしても (ni shite mo)

～にしても — even if ～ / even granting ～

In short · Accepts a condition or situation for the sake of argument, and then says that even so, the following still holds: “even if ～, (still ～).” The latter half often gives advice, a request or a criticism.
A free study page from Mainichi JLPT — the app has 429+ grammar points, plus vocabulary and mock exams.See the app

Pattern

  • 動詞・形容詞 普通形＋にしても plain form + にしても (行くにしても、忙しいにしても)
  • 名詞（だ抜き）＋にしても noun + にしても (冗談にしても)

Meaning and connection

Verbs and i-adjectives take the plain form; nouns take にしても without だ (na-adjectives use the stem). It accepts the first point for now, then moves on to a “but still” statement. It means the same as にしろ and にせよ, with にしても being closer to speech.

When to use it

As in 忙しいにしても、食事はきちんと取るべきだ, it shows you understand the circumstances but still hold the following view. The latter half is often the speaker’s opinion or judgment, rather than a sentence excusing the person because of the circumstance.

Examples

  • 行（い）くにしても、まず連絡（れんらく）してください。

    Iku ni shite mo, mazu renraku shite kudasai.

    Even if you go, please contact me first.

    Accepts “going,” then makes a request.

  • 忙（いそが）しいにしても、食事（しょくじ）はきちんと取（と）るべきだ。

    Isogashii ni shite mo, shokuji wa kichinto toru beki da.

    Even if you're busy, you should eat properly.

    Adjective plain form + にしても, then advice.

  • 冗談（じょうだん）にしても、そんな言（い）い方（かた）はよくない。

    Jōdan ni shite mo, sonna iikata wa yokunai.

    Even as a joke, that way of putting it isn't good.

    Noun + にしても (no だ), then criticism.

Common mistakes

  • Do not add だ to nouns or na-adjectives: × 冗談だにしても, ○ 冗談にしても.
  • It is different from にしては (“for a ～”). Do not confuse them.

More grammar points

Practice this in the app

Mainichi JLPT turns these grammar points into daily quizzes and a readiness gauge — 100% free, no sign-up.

Download on theApp StoreGet it onGoogle Play

See the app