とも
🃏 Flashcard
とも
tomo
Tap to reveal usage
even if; no matter; though~
N2
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading
tomo
Post ID
51171
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
even if; no matter; though~
📖 How to use it
Expresses that something holds true regardless of conditions or opposing factors, often with a concessive nuance.
Attaches to
Attaches to the dictionary form of verbs (e.g., 行く + とも), to the volitional form (e.g., 行こう + とも), or to adjectives in the く form (e.g., 遅く + とも). For nouns, it is used in specific phrases like 何があろうとも (no matter what happens).
とも is a formal, somewhat literary conjunction meaning 'even if' or 'no matter'. It emphasizes that the speaker's statement or action is unaffected by the condition mentioned. It often appears in set phrases like 遅くとも (at the latest) or 何があろうとも (no matter what happens), and it can sound quite resolute or determined.
遅くとも、明日までには返事をします。
Osoku tomo, ashita made ni wa henji o shimasu.
At the latest, I'll reply by tomorrow.
どんなに反対されようとも、私はこの計画を続けます。
Donna ni hantai sareyou tomo, watashi wa kono keikaku o tsuzukemasu.
No matter how much I'm opposed, I will continue with this plan.
成功しようとも、失敗しようとも、努力したことは無駄になりません。
Seikou shiyou tomo, shippai shiyou tomo, doryoku shita koto wa muda ni narimasen.
Whether we succeed or fail, the effort we've made won't be in vain.
Not ても (te mo)
ても is more common and attaches to the て-form, used widely in everyday speech. とも is more formal/literary, often attaches to the dictionary form or volitional form, and often implies a stronger sense of resolve or inevitability.
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Formal and literary; used in written language, speeches, or formal statements, not in casual conversation.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
とも
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat とも 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 とも. 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 N2 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern とも mean?
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Even if; no matter; though~
What JLPT level is とも?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use とも in a sentence?
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Attach とも (tomo) 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 とも formal or casual Japanese?
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とも is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember とも long-term?
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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.