“Ikura…Temo” and “Donnani…Temo” to Express Determination

いくら〜ても (Ikura… temo) & どんなに〜ても (Donnani… temo) 

If you have been studying for the JLPT N3 or N2 levels, you have likely encountered a specific kind of frustration. You spend hours memorizing kanji, yet the next day, they seem to vanish from your brain. You practice your listening comprehension, but the moment a native speaker opens their mouth at full speed, it sounds like a different language. We have all been there. In Japanese, there is a perfect set of grammar structures to express this exact feeling—the idea that “no matter how much” you do something, the result remains the same.

The grammar points いくら〜ても (Ikura… temo) and どんなに〜ても (Donnani… temo) are essential tools for your Japanese repertoire. They allow you to add emphasis to your sentences, showing that an action or a condition is being pushed to its limit without changing the outcome. Whether you are venting about your stubborn boss, talking about your unrequited love, or explaining your rigorous study habits, these phrases will make you sound much more natural and expressive.

Before diving into the grammar detail, here is the JLPT N3 complete guide: 
How to Pass JLPT N3: Complete Study Guide, Exam Format & Strategies

In this guide, we are going to dive deep into these expressions. We will look at how to form them, the subtle differences between them, and how to avoid the common traps that many learners fall into. By the end of this article, you will be able to use these like a pro, moving you one step closer to that JLPT certificate.

The Basic Meaning and Structure

At its core, this grammar is used to say “No matter how [much/often/hard/fast]… [the result remains unchanged].” It is a conditional structure that emphasizes the lack of influence the first part of the sentence has on the second part. Even if you exert 100% effort, the outcome is still “B.”

Understanding the Components

The structure consists of two main parts: the adverb at the beginning and the te-form + mo later in the clause.

1. The Adverbs: Ikura vs. Donnani

While often interchangeable, they carry slightly different nuances:

• いくら (Ikura): Usually focuses on the amount or frequency. Think of it as “No matter how many times” or “No matter how much money/effort.”
• どんなに (Donnani): Usually focuses on the degree or intensity. Think of it as “No matter how extreme the state” or “No matter how intensely.”

2. The “~te mo” Ending

To use this grammar, you must convert the verb, adjective, or noun into its “te-form” and add “mo.”

Grammar Conjugation Rules

Let’s look at how to conjugate different parts of speech to fit this pattern:

Verbs: Change to the te-form and add も (mo).
Example: 食べる (taberu) → 食べても (tabete mo / No matter how much I eat)
Example: 練習する (renshuu suru) → 練習しても (renshuu shite mo / No matter how much I practice)

I-Adjectives: Remove the final 〜い (i) and add 〜くても (kutemo).
Example: 暑い (atsui) → 暑くても (atsukutemo / No matter how hot it is)
Example: 高い (takai) → 高くても (takakutemo / No matter how expensive it is)

Na-Adjectives: Add 〜でも (demo) after the dictionary form.
Example: 好き (suki) → 好きでも (suki demo / No matter how much I like it)
Example: 大変 (taihen) → 大変でも (taihen demo / No matter how tough it is)

Nouns: Add 〜でも (demo).
Example: 子供 (kodomo) → 子供でも (kodomo demo / No matter if it’s a child)

Essentially, the pattern looks like this:
[Ikura / Donnani] + [Te-form] + も, [Result].

Real-Life Examples and Scenarios

To truly understand a grammar point, you need to see it in action. Let’s look at three common scenarios where you would use “Ikura… temo” or “Donnani… temo” in daily Japanese life.

Scenario 1: Dealing with Stubborn Habits

Imagine you have a friend who stays up until 3:00 AM every night playing video games, but then complains about being tired at work. You might say:

いくら注意しても、彼は夜更かしをやめない。
(Ikura chuui shite mo, kare wa yokasashi o yamenai.)
English Translation: No matter how much I warn him, he won’t stop staying up late.

In this case, “Ikura” emphasizes the frequency of the warnings. You’ve warned him once, twice, ten times—but the result (he stays up late) never changes. Using “Ikura” here highlights the repetition of your effort.

Scenario 2: The Struggle of Language Learning

Every language learner knows the feeling of staring at a list of vocabulary that just won’t stick. This is a perfect time to use “Donnani.”

どんなに一生懸命勉強しても、漢字がなかなか覚えられません。
(Donnani isshoukenmei benkyou shite mo, kanji ga nakanaka oboeraremasen.)
English Translation: No matter how hard I study, I just can’t seem to remember kanji.

Here, “Donnani” is paired with “isshoukenmei” (with all one’s might). It emphasizes the intensity and seriousness of your study. You aren’t just looking at the book; you are pouring your soul into it, yet the kanji remain elusive. This is a very common way to express frustration in Japanese.

Scenario 3: Unconditional States and Decisions

Sometimes we use this grammar to talk about things that are non-negotiable, regardless of the cost or difficulty.

いくら高くても、このカメラを買いたいんです。
(Ikura takakutemo, kono kamera o kaitai n desu.)
English Translation: No matter how expensive it is, I want to buy this camera.

In this example, the speaker has already made up their mind. The price (the condition) does not matter. Whether it is 10,000 yen or 100,000 yen, the desire to buy the camera remains constant. Using “Ikura” here with an adjective like “takai” (expensive) is a standard way to emphasize that price is no object.

Subtle Nuances and Common Mistakes

While the grammar seems straightforward, there are a few nuances and potential pitfalls that can trip up even advanced students. If you want to sound like a native speaker rather than a textbook, keep these points in mind.

Distinguishing Between “Ikura” and “Donnani”

As mentioned earlier, these are often interchangeable, but if you want to be precise:

• Use いくら (Ikura) when you can “count” the effort or the amount. It works perfectly with verbs of action (eating, buying, trying, warning).
• Use どんなに (Donnani) when you are describing a state of being or an emotional depth. It pairs beautifully with adjectives (beautiful, difficult, painful, happy).

For example, if you say “Donnani tabetemo,” it sounds a bit like “No matter how grandly I eat,” which is slightly odd. “Ikura tabetemo” (No matter how much/how many times I eat) sounds much more natural.

Don’t Forget the “Mo”

A very common mistake for beginners is to use the te-form alone or to use the wrong particle. Without the “mo,” the sentence becomes a simple sequence of events. For example:
Incorrect: Ikura benkyou shite, oboerarenai. (meaningless or broken Japanese)
Correct: Ikura benkyou shite mo, oboerarenai. (No matter how much I study, I can’t remember.)

The “mo” acts as the “even if” or “also,” providing the logical link that creates the “no matter how” meaning.

Confusing “Ikura… temo” with “Tatoe… temo”

You might have also learned たとえ〜ても (Tatoe… temo). While similar, there is a key difference.

• Ikura / Donnani: Usually deals with degree or quantity. “No matter how much…”
• Tatoe: Deals with hypothetical situations. “Even if [it should happen that]…”

If you say, “Tatoe ame ga futte mo, ikimasu,” you are saying “Even if it rains (which might happen), I will go.”
If you say, “Donnani ame ga futte mo, ikimasu,” you are saying “No matter how hard it rains, I will go.”
The latter (Donnani) emphasizes the intensity of the rain, while “Tatoe” simply sets up the possibility of rain.

The Positive Ending Trap

Usually, “Ikura… temo” is followed by a negative result or a result that implies failure or lack of change. However, it can be followed by a positive statement if that statement represents a firm resolve. For example:
どんなに辛くても、私は諦めない。
(Donnani tsurakutemo, watashi wa akiramenai.)
“No matter how painful it is, I won’t give up.”
The “won’t give up” is a positive action of the will, but it fits the pattern because the “pain” is failing to stop the person.

Advanced Usage: Adding Depth to Your Speech

If you’re aiming for the N2 or N1 levels, you can elevate this grammar by combining it with other expressions or using more formal variations.

Using “Dore dake” as an Alternative

In casual conversation, you might hear どれだけ (Dore dake) used instead of “Donnani.” It carries a similar meaning of “to what extent.”
Example: どれだけ練習しても、プロには勝てない。 (Dore dake renshuu shite mo, puro ni wa katenai.)
“No matter how much I practice, I can’t beat a pro.”
This feels slightly more conversational and focuses heavily on the “extent” of the effort.

The Colloquial “Tatte”

In very casual speech (especially among men or in certain dialects), the “te mo” part often turns into “tatte” or “datte.”
Example: いくら言ったって、聞かないよ。 (Ikura ittatte, kikanai yo.)
“No matter how much you tell him, he won’t listen.”
If you hear this in an anime or a drama, don’t be confused! It’s just the casual version of the grammar we are studying today.

The Nuance of “Donna ni… darou to”

In formal writing or dramatic speeches, you might see どんなに〜だろうと (Donnani… darou to). This is a very literary way of saying “No matter how… may be.” It adds a layer of gravity to the sentence. You won’t use this at the grocery store, but you will definitely see it in novels or graduation speeches.

Mastering the Feeling of “Useless Effort” and “Iron Will”

When you start using “Ikura… temo” and “Donnani… temo,” you begin to tap into the emotional side of the Japanese language. These aren’t just dry grammatical structures; they are reflections of the Japanese cultural values of gaman (endurance) and doryoku (effort).

When a Japanese person says, “Donnani tsurakutemo, gambarimasu” (No matter how hard it is, I will do my best), they are expressing a deep level of commitment. By using these phrases, you aren’t just communicating facts—you are communicating your spirit.

Think about your own life. What is something you do “no matter what”? Maybe you study Japanese every day, no matter how busy you are. どんなに忙しくても、毎日日本語を勉強します。 (Donnani isogashiku temo, mainichi nihongo o benkyou shimasu.) That sentence right there is a testament to your dedication.

Summary

Let’s recap the key points to keep in mind for your JLPT prep and daily conversations:

• Meaning: “No matter how much/hard…” expresses that a result remains the same regardless of the input.
• Ikura: Focuses on quantity or frequency (how much/how many times).
• Donnani: Focuses on degree or intensity (how extreme/how intensely).
• Structure: Adverb + [Verb/Adjective/Noun in Te-form] + も.
• Conjugation: Remember that I-adjectives become “kutemo” and Na-adjectives/Nouns become “demo.”
• Context: Most often used to express frustration, futility, or strong determination.

The best way to master this is to start noticing it in the wild. When you listen to Japanese podcasts or watch Japanese TV, keep an ear out for “Ikura” and “Donnani.” You will be surprised at how often they appear. Once you start hearing them, try making three sentences of your own based on your daily routine. Write them down, say them out loud, and eventually, they will become a natural part of your vocabulary.

Learning Japanese is a long journey, and sometimes it feels like いくら勉強しても (ikura benkyou shite mo), there is always more to learn. But don’t get discouraged! Every bit of grammar you master is a step toward fluency. Keep practicing, and you will see the results!

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