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にしても
N2 GRAMMAR ⏱ 0s study 📖 0 today
ni shitemo
regardless of whether
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🃏 Flashcard
にしても
ni shitemo
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regardless of whether
N2
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📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading ni shitemo
Post ID 51099
Patterns today 0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes

regardless of whether

📖 How to use it

Expresses that something holds true no matter which of two or more options is the case, meaning 'regardless of whether.'

Attaches to Attach to the dictionary form of verbs and adjectives (including な-adjectives followed by だ), and to nouns directly. For な-adjectives, it's な-adjective + だ + にしても.

This pattern にしても is used when you want to say that your statement or opinion is the same no matter which of the given alternatives you consider. It often appears with pairs like ~か~ないか (whether or not) or with two contrasting options. For example, you might say that you will attend an event regardless of whether it rains or shines. The key nuance is that the speaker is brushing aside the differences between the options and focusing on a common outcome or judgment.

It is important to note that にしても has another common meaning, 'even if' or 'even though,' which is used in concessive contexts (e.g., 忙しいにしても、連絡くらいはできる). That usage is different from the one explained here. When you see にしても with a pair like AにしてもBにしても, it usually means 'whether A or B,' focusing on the irrelevance of the choice.

This pattern is fairly neutral and can be used in both speaking and writing, but it is more common in somewhat formal or logical discussions. In casual conversation, you might hear it, but it has a slightly reasoned tone.

行くにしても行かないにしても、連絡はしてください。
Iku ni shitemo ikanai ni shitemo, renraku wa shite kudasai.
Regardless of whether you go or not, please contact me.
賛成するにしても反対するにしても、理由をはっきり言うべきだ。
Sansei suru ni shitemo hantai suru ni shitemo, riyuu o hakkiri iu beki da.
Whether you agree or disagree, you should state your reasons clearly.
雨が降るにしても降らないにしても、試合は行われる。
Ame ga furu ni shitemo furanai ni shitemo, shiai wa okonawareru.
Regardless of whether it rains or not, the match will be held.
Not にかかわらず にかかわらず also means 'regardless of' but attaches to nouns or な-adjectives directly (e.g., 天候にかかわらず). にしても with a pair of verbs or nouns emphasizes alternatives, while にかかわらず is more general and often used with a single noun like 'weather' or 'age.'
Register Neutral to slightly formal; used in both speech and writing, but more common in reasoned or explanatory contexts.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
にしても
📚 How to Master This Pattern
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Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat にしても three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
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Flip Before Reading
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Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using にしても. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern にしても mean? ▼
Regardless of whether
What JLPT level is にしても? ▼
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 にしても in a sentence? ▼
Attach にしても (ni shitemo) 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 にしても formal or casual Japanese? ▼
にしても 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 にしても 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.