Meaning & Usage
「それにしても」 (sore ni shite mo) is a Japanese expression that means "even so," "nevertheless," "granted that," or "be that as it may." It acknowledges a preceding fact or situation. Then, it introduces a contrasting feeling, judgment, or an unexpected observation. The main idea is this: despite knowing something, the speaker finds what follows surprising, unexpected, or unusually problematic.
You can think of 「それにしても」 as saying, "Even after considering that fact..." or "Despite that situation, what follows is still remarkable, unexpected, or problematic." It doesn't deny the previous statement. Instead, it re-evaluates it. This re-evaluation highlights an unanticipated intensity or characteristic. The expression often hints at mild astonishment, surprise, or even gentle criticism regarding the degree of something.
Direct English translations like "even so" or "nevertheless" grasp the basic meaning. However, 「それにしても」 often carries a stronger personal feeling. For example, imagine a friend says a task was difficult. You might reply, 「それにしても、こんなに時間がかかるとは思わなかった。」 (Even so, I didn't think it would take this much time.). Here, you accept the difficulty, but express surprise at how long it actually took. It's suitable for both formal and informal conversations. Using it can add a reflective or evaluative touch.
To grasp 「それにしても」, envision a scenario. The first piece of information creates an expectation. 「それにしても」 then acts like a filter. It allows you to acknowledge that information. Yet, it also lets you express that the subsequent reality goes beyond or deviates from what you might have reasonably expected.
Structure & Formation
「それにしても」 generally comes after a clause or a complete sentence, connecting two ideas. It refers to the preceding statement, acknowledging it before offering a contrasting or surprising comment. The first clause usually appears in its plain form (dictionary form for verbs/i-adjectives; plain form for na-adjectives/nouns, often omitting だ).
The general structure is:
- [Sentence/Clause (plain form)] + それにしても + [Comment/Opinion/Surprise]
The preceding clause can take various forms:
| Word Type | Form Before 「それにしても」 | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | Plain Form (e.g., ～する、～した) | 彼は一生懸命勉強した。それにしても、成績が悪すぎる。 |
| い-adjective | Plain Form (e.g., ～高い、～高かった) | 今日は寒い。それにしても、こんなに雪が降るとは。 |
| な-adjective | Plain Form (e.g., ～元気だ / 元気な, ～元気だった) | 彼女は元気だ。それにしても、顔色が悪い。 |
| Noun | Plain Form (e.g., ～医者だ / 医者, ～医者だった) | 彼は医者だ。それにしても、病気について詳しくない。 |
It can appear at the beginning of a new sentence (after a period) or after a comma if the connection to the preceding clause is very strong and the flow is continuous.
Example Sentences
Expressing Surprise/Disbelief at Degree
彼は頭がいいと聞いていたが、それにしても、こんなに難しい問題をすぐに解くとは驚きだ。
Kare wa atama ga ii to kiite ita ga, sore ni shite mo, konna ni muzukashii mondai o sugu ni toku to wa odoroki da.
I heard he was smart, but even so, it's surprising that he solved such a difficult problem so quickly.
仕事が大変なのは分かる。それにしても、毎日終電まで残業するのはやりすぎだろう。
Shigoto ga taihen na no wa wakaru. Sore ni shite mo, mainichi shuuden made zangyou suru no wa yarisugi darou.
I understand that work is tough. Even so, working overtime every day until the last train is probably too much.
昨日は風が強かったが、それにしても、あの木が倒れるとは思わなかった。
Kinou wa kaze ga tsuyokatta ga, sore ni shite mo, ano ki ga taoreru to wa omowanakatta.
The wind was strong yesterday, but even so, I didn't think that tree would fall.
Conceding a Point Before Offering a Contrasting Opinion
確かに彼の言うことも一理ある。それにしても、そのやり方は受けれられない。
Tashika ni kare no iu koto mo ichiri aru. Sore ni shite mo, sono yarikata wa ukeirerarenai.
Certainly, there's some truth to what he says. Even so, I can't accept that method.
このレストランは少々高いが、それにしても、この味とサービスなら納得できる。
Kono resutoran wa shoushou takai ga, sore ni shite mo, kono aji to saabisu nara nattoku dekiru.
This restaurant is a bit expensive, but even so, with this taste and service, I can be satisfied.
新しいスマホは便利だ。それにしても、値段が高すぎる。
Atarashii sumaho wa benri da. Sore ni shite mo, nedan ga takasugiru.
The new smartphone is convenient. Even so, the price is too high.
Expressing Mild Criticism or Disagreement
彼が忙しいのは理解できる。それにしても、連絡くらいはできるだろう。
Kare ga isogashii no wa rikai dekiru. Sore ni shite mo, renraku kurai wa dekiru darou.
I can understand that he's busy. Even so, he could at least contact me.
負けてしまったのは残念だ。それにしても、こんなに点差が開くとは思わなかった。
Makete shimatta no wa zannen da. Sore ni shite mo, konna ni tensa ga hiraku to wa omowanakatta.
It's a shame we lost. Even so, I didn't expect such a big point difference.
少なくとも謝罪すべきだ。それにしても、彼の態度はひどすぎる。
Sukunakutomo shazai subeki da. Sore ni shite mo, kare no taido wa hido sugiru.
He should at least apologize. Even so, his attitude is too terrible.
General "Even So" Situations
雨が降ってきた。それにしても、まだ傘を持ってきていない。
Ame ga futte kita. Sore ni shite mo, mada kasa o motte kite inai.
It started raining. Even so, I still haven't brought my umbrella.
彼は新人だ。それにしても、基本が分かっていないのは問題だ。
Kare wa shinjin da. Sore ni shite mo, kihon ga wakatte inai no wa mondai da.
He's a newcomer. Even so, it's a problem that he doesn't understand the basics.
試験は難しかった。それにしても、まさか全員が落第するとは。
Shiken wa muzukashikatta. Sore ni shite mo, masaka zen'in ga rakudai suru to wa.
The exam was difficult. Even so, I never thought everyone would fail.
家賃が高いのは知っていた。それにしても、毎月支払うのが大変だ。
Yachin ga takai no wa shitte ita. Sore ni shite mo, maitsuki shiharau no wa taihen da.
I knew the rent was expensive. Even so, paying it every month is tough.
彼女は英語が得意だ。それにしても、ネイティブのように話すのは驚きだ。
Kanojo wa Eigo ga tokui da. Sore ni shite mo, neitibu no you ni hanasu no wa odoroki da.
She's good at English. Even so, it's amazing that she speaks like a native.
道が混んでいたのは分かる。それにしても、約束の時間に30分も遅れるとは。
Michi ga konde ita no wa wakaru. Sore ni shite mo, yakusoku no jikan ni sanjuppun mo okureru to wa.
I understand the road was congested. Even so, to be 30 minutes late for the appointment...
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Confusing with simple "but" (しかし/でも)
「それにしても」 isn't a direct stand-in for a simple "but" or "however" (しかし, でも). While it introduces a contrasting idea, it implies a stronger sense of concession. It often includes mild surprise or critical judgment about the extent of something, despite a known fact. It's more than just stating two contrasting facts.
❌ 彼は背が高い。それにしても、私は高くない。
✅ 彼は背が高い。しかし、私は高くない。
Explanation: The incorrect example simply states two different facts (he is tall, I am not). You would use 「それにしても」 if the second part was an observation or judgment about the first fact. For instance, if he was surprisingly tall even for a tall person.
Mistake 2: Using when there's no preceding context of concession/acknowledgment
「それにしても」 needs a preceding statement or context to "concede" to or acknowledge. Without such context, it sounds unnatural and out of place. It would be like pulling a surprising observation out of thin air without a reason.
❌ それにしても、今日は暑い。
✅ 天気予報では暖かいと言っていたが、それにしても、今日は暑い。
Explanation: The correct example first sets an expectation (the weather forecast said it would be warm). Then, 「それにしても」 expresses surprise at the degree of warmth. It's surprisingly hot, even for a warm day. Without the first clause, 「それにしても」 lacks the necessary context for concession.
Mistake 3: Incorrectly pairing with conditional forms
While 「それにしても」 implies concession, it doesn't directly connect to conditional forms like 「～ても」 or 「～なら」 within the same grammatical clause. It functions more like an independent sentence or clause connector. It stands outside the conditional structure itself.
❌ 雨が降ってもそれにしても、行かなければならない。
✅ 雨が降るだろう。それにしても、行かなければならない。
Explanation: The first example is grammatically awkward. If you want to say "even if it rains, I have to go," use 「雨が降っても行かなければならない。」 「それにしても」 comments on the implications or context of a completed statement. In the correct example, the speaker states a likelihood (it will probably rain). Then, they use 「それにしても」 to comment on their obligation despite that likelihood.
Mistake 4: Overusing it in very formal writing
「それにしても」 works in many written contexts. However, it often has a personal or evaluative tone. For highly objective academic writing or very formal business reports, other connecting expressions might be better. This helps maintain a neutral stance. Phrases like 「とはいうものの (to wa iu mono no)」 or 「しかしながら (shikashinagara)」 can sometimes be more appropriate, depending on the specific nuance of concession or contrast needed.
Cultural Notes
In Japanese conversation, 「それにしても」 is used to express surprise or mild criticism about something said by others or about an event. It doesn't completely reject the other person's opinion. Instead, it first acknowledges it, then subtly conveys a feeling of unease or something unsatisfying within the speaker.
For example, imagine your friend says, 「昨日は本当に疲れたよ、3時間しか寝てないんだ」 (I was really tired yesterday; I only slept for 3 hours.). You might respond with 「それにしても、顔色が悪いすぎるよ」 (Even so, your complexion is too bad.). Here, you acknowledge their fatigue. However, you also express surprise or concern that their exhaustion is worse than expected. This shows how 「それにしても」 is a distinctly Japanese expression. It allows you to convey your opinions and feelings while avoiding direct confrontation and respecting the other person's feelings. This characteristic highlights a key feature of Japanese communication.
Related Grammar Points
- Wakeda: That's Why, No Wonder, It Means That (Grammar N3)
- Uchi ni: While / Before It Changes (Grammar N3)
- Nuki de (ぬきで) — Without, Leaving Out (Grammar N3)
- It's Been Decided/Scheduled: ことになっている (Grammar N3)
- Not Necessarily (Grammar N3)
- Tsui de ni: While At It, Taking The Opportunity (Grammar N3)
JLPT Tips
When you see 「それにしても」 on the JLPT N3 exam, expect it in conjunction problems or sentence reordering questions. The core function of this grammar point is to "accept the preceding matter, but state surprise or unexpected feelings about its degree or content." Therefore, it's crucial to read the surrounding context carefully. Understanding the speaker's feelings or evaluation is key.
You might encounter multiple-choice options with similar-meaning conjunctions like 「しかし」, 「だが」, or 「それでも」. In such cases, pay attention to the "nuance of unexpectedness, surprise, and sometimes criticism" that 「それにしても」 carries. It's not just a simple contrasting conjunction. 「それにしても」 is often the correct answer when the content that follows stands out, even after considering the preceding information. It's often used at the beginning of a sentence, so identifying the logical connection with the previous sentence will be your key to success.