Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Even" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "even", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
たとえ
たとえ (tatoe)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
すら
すら (sura)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "even" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between たとえ and すら.
In Japanese, たとえ (たとえ (tatoe)) is typically associated with "even if, no matter how (followed by a conditional, e.g., ~ても, ~でも)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to introduce a hypothetical situation, emphasizing that the main clause will still be true regardless of that condition. Always followed by `～ても`, `～でも`, `～と`, or similar conditional forms..
On the other hand, すら (すら (sura)) maps to "even (emphatic), to the extent that" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Particle used to emphasize an extreme or unexpected case, implying that other less extreme cases are also true. Indicates "even X, let alone Y.". A literal translation of "even" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "たとえ"
たとえ失敗しても、後悔はしない。
Even if I fail, I won't regret it.
Bilingual Context for "すら"
彼は忙しくて、食事をとる時間すら惜しいと言っていた。
He said he was so busy that he grudged even the time to eat.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 失敗しても、後悔はしない。" (Meaning: "Even if I fail, I won't regret it.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "たとえ" fits here because it means "even if, no matter how (followed by a conditional, e.g., ~ても, ~でも)" in the context of: "Even if I fail, I won't regret it.". "すら" represents "even (emphatic), to the extent that".