てでも【～てでも】

The grammar structure てでも expresses a strong determination or resolve to accomplish something, even if it means doing something extreme, difficult, or undesirable. It conveys the speaker's willingness to go to great lengths – "even if I have to…" or "by any means necessary."

It is formed by attaching てでも to the て-form of a verb. The verb before てでも describes the extreme or undesirable action the speaker is willing to take, and the clause after it states the goal or desired outcome.

Nuance of strong resolve

てでも emphasizes that the speaker considers the action before てでも to be a significant sacrifice or an extreme measure, but they are still willing to do it for the sake of the goal. This makes the expression inherently emphatic and emotional.

Difference from ～ても

While 〜～ても simply means "even if" and states a hypothetical condition, てでも carries a much stronger sense of willful determination. Compare:

• あめがふって雨が降ってもいきます行きます – "I'll go even if it rains." (neutral hypothetical)
• およいで泳いででもいく行く – "I'll go even if I have to swim there." (strong resolve, extreme measure)

With てでも, the speaker is actively choosing to endure or do something drastic. It often pairs with expressions of desire (〜～たい) or intention (〜～つもりだ, volitional forms).

Common patterns

てでも frequently appears with verbs that describe sacrifice, hardship, or unconventional actions: むり無理してでも (even if I have to push myself), ぎせい犠牲にしてでも (even if I have to sacrifice), ぬすんで盗んででも (even if I have to steal).