but still; and yet; even so (それでも) – Japanese Grammar それでも (sore demo)

Q: What JLPT level is それでも?

JLPT N4 — Upper-Beginner · Forming complex sentences

Q: How do you use それでも in a sentence?

Attach それでも to the appropriate verb or noun form. But still; and yet; even so

Q: Is それでも formal or casual Japanese?

それでも can be used in both casual conversation and polite speech depending on context.

それでも

N4 GRAMMAR ⏱ 0s study 📖 0 today

sore demo

but still; and yet; even so

らしい rashii がる・がっている garu; gatteiru ことがある koto ga aru に気がつく ni ki ga tsuku な na たら tara と聞いた to kiita ようにする you ni suru ことになる koto ni naru お～になる o~ni naru も mo みたいだ mitai da なら nara ようになる you ni naru そうだ sou da [1] て / で te / de 予定だ yotei da みたいな mitai na ぜひ zehi だけで dake de らしい rashii がる・がっている garu; gatteiru ことがある koto ga aru に気がつく ni ki ga tsuku な na たら tara と聞いた to kiita ようにする you ni suru ことになる koto ni naru お～になる o~ni naru も mo みたいだ mitai da なら nara ようになる you ni naru そうだ sou da [1] て / で te / de 予定だ yotei da みたいな mitai na ぜひ zehi だけで dake de

🃏 Flashcard

それでも

sore demo

Tap to reveal usage

but still; and yet; even so

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📊 Pattern Stats

JLPT Level N4

Upper-Beginner · Forming complex sentences

Reading sore demo

Post ID 50760

Patterns today 0

0 / 10 daily goal

📝 Usage Notes

but still; and yet; even so

📖 How to use it

A conjunction meaning 'but still' or 'even so', used to acknowledge a previous point and state that something remains true despite it.

Attaches to Used as a standalone conjunction, typically at the beginning of a sentence, connecting it to the preceding context.

それでも is a conjunction that links two sentences or clauses, showing that the second statement holds true despite the first. It is similar to saying 'even so' or 'but still' in English. For example, if someone says it is raining, you might reply with それでも出かけます (Even so, I'll go out). It emphasizes contrast and persistence.

This word is common in both spoken and written Japanese, and is used at N4 level. It is not too formal, but it is often used in reasoned arguments or to express determination. You can use it in conversation with friends or in essays, but in very casual speech, people might just say でも or それでも is fine too.

Note that それでも is a single word, not to be confused with それで (and so) which indicates cause and effect, or でも (but) which is a simpler contrast. それでも specifically implies that the second part is surprising or strong despite the first.

天気が悪い。それでも、試合は行われます。

Tenki ga warui. Sore demo, shiai wa okonawaremasu.

The weather is bad. Even so, the game will be held.

難しいです。それでも、頑張ります。

Muzukashii desu. Sore demo, ganbarimasu.

It's difficult. But still, I'll do my best.

彼は疲れていた。それでも、最後まで走った。

Kare wa tsukarete ita. Sore demo, saigo made hashitta.

He was tired. Even so, he ran to the end.

Not それでそれで means 'and so' or 'therefore', showing cause and effect, while それでも means 'even so', showing that the second part is true despite the first. If you can replace it with 'therefore', use それで; if you can replace with 'even so', use それでも.

🎯 Quick Quiz

What does this grammar pattern mean or do?

それでも

📚 How to Master This Pattern

🔊

Say It Aloud

Press Hear it and repeat それでも three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.

🃏

Flip Before Reading

Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.

✍️

Write Two Sentences

Compose two original sentences using それでも. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.

⏰

Spaced Review

Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.

🔗 More JLPT N4 Patterns

← Previous

そんなに

so much; so; like that

そうだ

I heard that; it is said that

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the grammar pattern それでも mean? ▼

But still; and yet; even so

What JLPT level is それでも? ▼

Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N4 — Upper-Beginner · Forming complex sentences. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.

How do you use それでも in a sentence? ▼

Attach それでも (sore demo) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.

Is それでも formal or casual Japanese? ▼

それでも is used in both casual and polite contexts. It appears frequently in everyday conversation, textbooks, and simple written materials.

How can I remember それでも long-term? ▼

Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.