N3 · Structured courses

～ni Shiro / ni Seyo: Even If / Regardless

Learn ni shiro/ni seyo for "even if A, B" — conceding a premise without changing the conclusion. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn ni shiro/ni seyo for "even if A, B" — conceding a premise without changing the conclusion.
  • Form and connection: [Noun/Plain form] にしろ / にせよ
  • Nuance in real use: にしろ/にせよ is key to Japanese concessive logic — it lets you first acknowledge the other's point, then say "but even so..." This is the essence of Japanese debate culture: don't negate, build upon.

Form and connection

[Noun/Plain form] にしろ / にせよ

Core Explanation

Learn ni shiro/ni seyo for "even if A, B" — conceding a premise without changing the conclusion.

Cultural Note

にしろ/にせよ is key to Japanese concessive logic — it lets you first acknowledge the other's point, then say "but even so..." This is the essence of Japanese debate culture: don't negate, build upon.

Practical examples

Even if you're busy, you should at least be able to contact me.
Even as a joke, there are things you should and shouldn't say.
Whatever the reason, breaking a promise is not good.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Noun/Plain form] にしろ / にせよ
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerEven if you're busy, you should at least be able to contact me.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer理由りゆうが何なににしろ、約束やくそくを破やぶるのはよくない。 ([Noun/Plain form] にしろ / にせよ)

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