JLPT Grammar: ～にしたところで – Even If, No Matter How

By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025

📘 Meaning & Usage

The expression ～にしたところで is used to express that even if someone were in a certain position or did something, the result or situation would not change significantly. It’s often used to highlight the futility or irrelevance of something.

Translation: Even if… / No matter how… / Even though…

Form:

• Noun + にしたところで

This phrase is often used with abstract subjects (like “me,” “them,” “a child,” “a beginner,” etc.) and is usually followed by a negative or dismissive statement.

💡 Example Sentences

• 私にしたところで、そんなことは知らなかった。
  Even I didn’t know such a thing.
• 親にしたところで、完璧ではない。
  Even parents aren’t perfect.
• 彼にしたところで、悪気があったわけではない。
  Even he didn’t mean any harm.
• 初心者にしたところで、やる気さえあればできる。
  Even a beginner can do it if they’re motivated.
• 子どもにしたところで、事情は理解できないだろう。
  Even for a child, it’s hard to understand the situation.

📝 Grammar Notes

• ～にしたところで often introduces a contrast between expectation and reality.
• Frequently appears with negative outcomes or phrases that dismiss assumptions.
• Interchangeable in many cases with ～にしても or ～にしては, but more formal or literary in tone.

📝 Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks

1. 彼＿＿＿＿、そんなひどいことを言うはずがない。
2. 私＿＿＿＿、彼の行動には驚かされた。
3. 先生＿＿＿＿、完璧ではないと思う。

✔ Answers:

• にしたところで
• にしたところで
• にしたところで

2. Translate into Japanese

1. Even a teacher can make mistakes.
2. Even for me, it was hard to believe.
3. Even parents can’t always understand their children.

✔ Sample Answers:

• 先生にしたところで、間違うことはある。
• 私にしたところで、信じがたかった。
• 親にしたところで、いつも子供を理解できるわけではない。

🔗 Related Grammar

• ～にしても: Even if / Even though
• ～としても: Assuming / Even if
• ～にしたら: From the point of view of…

🧠 Summary

• Meaning: Even if… / No matter who/what…
• Level: JLPT N1
• Form: Noun + にしたところで
• Usage: Expresses concession; highlights that something remains unchanged despite the condition.

thuandao

I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.