とも

tomo

JLPT N2 #3 of 195 in N2

Even if; no matter; though~

Expresses that something holds true regardless of conditions or opposing factors, often with a concessive nuance.

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How to form it

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).

What it means

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.

Example sentences

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.

Don’t confuse it with

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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話

When to use it

Formal and literary; used in written language, speeches, or formal statements, not in casual conversation.

Next in the N2 path

4

ばかりabout, approximately

5

まいwill not; intend not to

6

とか（で）I heard that~

7

ことにemphasize speaker's feelings

See the whole Grammar Path →

Questions

What does とも mean?

Even if; no matter; though~. Expresses that something holds true regardless of conditions or opposing factors, often with a concessive nuance.

How do you form とも?

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).

Example of とも in a sentence

遅くとも、明日までには返事をします。 — At the latest, I'll reply by tomorrow.

ても (te mo) — what is the difference?

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.

What JLPT level is とも?

JLPT N2 (upper intermediate), number 3 of 195 in Nihoner's learning order for N2.