〜てでも te demo

〜てでも（te demo）means “even by ~ing (going to such lengths)”. Expresses that one will do whatever it takes — even an extreme or undesirable means — to achieve a goal. Formation: V-て + でも

even by ~ing (going to such lengths)

N2

Formation

V-て + でも

Explanation

Expresses that one will do whatever it takes — even an extreme or undesirable means — to achieve a goal. The te-form names the drastic method, and 〜でも stresses 'even by that'. The main clause states the strong determination.

Examples

借金をしてでも、子どもを大学に行かせたい。
しゃっきんをしてでも、こどもをだいがくにいかせたい。
I want to send my child to university, even if I have to borrow money.
徹夜をしてでも、この仕事を今日中に終わらせる。
てつやをしてでも、このしごとをきょうじゅうにおわらせる。
I'll finish this work today even if I have to stay up all night.

Note

Strongly expresses willpower and is paired with a volitional/desiderative main clause (〜たい, 〜つもり, plain will). The means cited is usually costly or extreme.

FAQ

〜てでも — what does it mean and how is it used?

even by ~ing (going to such lengths). Expresses that one will do whatever it takes — even an extreme or undesirable means — to achieve a goal. The te-form names the drastic method, and 〜でも stresses 'even by that'. The main clause states the strong determination.

〜てでも — how do you form it?

V-て + でも

〜てでも — any usage notes?

Strongly expresses willpower and is paired with a volitional/desiderative main clause (〜たい, 〜つもり, plain will). The means cited is usually costly or extreme.

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