～ても～なくても

JLPT Level: N3

Meanings

whether or not

regardless of whether

no matter if

Usage

Verb (て-form) + も + Verb (negative) + ても

Two clauses sharing the same subject: first clause in ても form, second clause in なくても form

Explanation

～ても～なくても expresses that the outcome or situation remains the same regardless of whether the first event happens or not. It emphasizes indifference to a condition or choice. The pattern can connect two possibilities (positive vs negative) or two different predicates, with the common idea that the result is unchanged. It is commonly used to downplay concerns, to state that action is not affected by a condition, or to suggest that both possibilities lead to the same conclusion. Typical contexts include plans, outcomes, or permissions that are unaffected by a condition.

雨が降っても降らなくても、試合は行われる。

あめがふってもふらなくても、しあいはおこなわれる。

Whether it rains or not, the game will be held.

彼が来ても来なくても、パーティーは始まる。

かれがきてもこなくても、パーティーははじまる。

Whether he comes or not, the party will start.

遅れても遅くても、私たちは結論を出す。

おくれてもおそくても、わたしたちはけつろんをだす。

Whether you’re late or not, we’ll come to a conclusion.