Meaning & usage
ども expresses although or even though, used when a strong obstacle does not prevent the main result, and repeated as in 待てども待てども it stresses no matter how much the action continues. Verbs take their e stem as in 行けども or 降れども, i adjectives take かれども as in 寒かれども, while nouns and na adjectives use といえども as in 子供といえども. It sounds archaic and literary, appearing in proverbs, formal writing and set expressions rather than everyday conversation, so ても or のに is expected in casual speech.
Example sentences 7
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親友といえども、その友情を維持する努力が必要である。
Even good friends should make an effort to keep up their friendship.
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行けども行けども、やはり同じ場所をグルグル回っている気がしてならない。
The further I went the more irresistible became the feeling that I was going round and round in circles.
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雨降れども試合は続く。
Even though it is raining, the game goes on.
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寒かれども外で働く。
Although it is cold, I work outside.
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子供といえども約束は守るべきだ。
Even though he is a child, he should keep his promises.
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待てども待てども連絡が来ない。
No matter how long I wait, no message comes.
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忙しかれども休まず働く。
Although I am busy, I work without resting.
