たとえ

• Reading: たとえ
• Romaji: tatoe
• Kanji breakdown: 例 (rei/tatoe) — example, precedent
• Pronunciation: /ta.to.e/

Meaning

Even if; no matter; though. An adverb introducing hypothetical concessions.

An adverb used to introduce a hypothetical condition that does not change the outcome. Always paired with ～ても or ～でも in the following clause. Creates the pattern たとえ～ても (even if ~). Can also be written 例え or 仮令 but hiragana is most common.

Examples

1. たとえ雨が降っても試合は行われる。 Even if it rains, the game will go on.
2. たとえ失敗しても、挑戦することが大切だ。 Even if you fail, what matters is that you tried.
3. たとえ遠くても、毎週通っている。 Even though it's far, I go there every week.

Usage Guide

Context: essays, speeches, daily conversation

Tone: determined

Origin & History

Related to the verb 例える (tatoeru, to compare/liken). The concessive usage evolved from the idea of positing a comparison — 'supposing even this case.' The kanji 例 means example or precedent.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal