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
一層
いっそう (issou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "even" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between たとえ and 一層.
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, 一層 (いっそう (issou)) maps to "even more, much more, all the more" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes a greater degree or amount. Often used to indicate an increase in something already existing or expected.. 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 "一層"
彼の話を聞いて、彼女への信頼が__一層__深まった。
Hearing his story, my trust in her deepened even further.
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.". "一層" represents "even more, much more, all the more".