それでも

それでも is a conjunction meaning "but still," "and yet," "even so," or "nevertheless." It is used at the beginning of a sentence (or clause) to acknowledge a preceding fact or situation while asserting that something contrary or unexpected is still the case.

It combines それ (that) + でも (but/even), literally meaning "even with that" – expressing that despite the circumstances just mentioned, the following statement holds true.

Basic usage

それでも typically connects two sentences, where the first presents a difficulty, negative situation, or reason, and the second states an action or feeling that persists regardless.

Nuance

Compared to simple conjunctions like でも or けど, それでも carries a stronger sense of determination or persistence in the face of adversity. It emphasizes that the speaker is fully aware of the obstacle or contrary situation, yet chooses to proceed or maintain their position anyway.

Formal and informal use

それでも can be used in both casual and polite speech. It works naturally in spoken conversation as well as in writing.

At the beginning of a question

それでも can also begin a question, often with a tone of surprise or challenge – "even so, (do you still)…?"