とて

The particle とて is a literary or formal expression meaning "even", "even if", or "though". It is used to indicate that a certain condition or status does not change the outcome, or to concede a point while asserting that the result remains the same. It is found primarily in written Japanese, formal speech, and set expressions.

Noun + とて ("even ~")

When attached to a noun, とて conveys the meaning of "even (someone/something)" – emphasizing that the statement applies regardless of the subject's status or identity. It is similar to でも or であっても but carries a more literary tone.

This usage often appears with words like れいがい例外（れいがい）to stress that no one or nothing is exempt.

Verb / い-Adjective (plain form) + とて ("even if ~" / "even though ~")

When following a verb or adjective in plain form, とて means "even if" or "even though", similar to ても or としても. It concedes a hypothetical or real situation while asserting that the result is unaffected.

～たとて ("even having done ~")

The past form (た-form) + とて is particularly common and emphasizes that even after an action has been completed (or hypothetically completed), the outcome does not change.

Common set expressions

• なん何とて（なんとて）– "for what reason" / "why" (rhetorical)
• だれ誰とて（だれとて）– "no one (is exempt)" / "even anyone"
• いちにち一日とて（いちにちとて）– "not even a single day"

Nuance

とて is distinctly literary and formal. In everyday conversation, ても, だって, or としても would be used instead. Using とて adds gravity, solemnity, or a philosophical tone to the statement.