それにしても (sore-ni-shitemo): Even so; nevertheless
～それにしても (sore-ni-shitemo)
Meaning
Even so; nevertheless
Formation and usage
それにしても + clause
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Acknowledges earlier context before introducing a strong reaction or assessment.
Examples
会議が長いとは聞いていた。それにしても、四時間は長すぎる。
I had heard that the meeting would be long. Even so, four hours is too much.
試験が長いとは聞いていた。それにしても、四時間は長すぎる。
I had heard that the exam would be long. Even so, four hours is too much.
研修が長いとは聞いていた。それにしても、四時間は長すぎる。
I had heard that the training session would be long. Even so, four hours is too much.
発表会が長いとは聞いていた。それにしても、四時間は長すぎる。
I had heard that the presentation event would be long. Even so, four hours is too much.
面接が長いとは聞いていた。それにしても、四時間は長すぎる。
I had heard that the interview would be long. Even so, four hours is too much.
How related patterns differ
まい can express negative intention or conjecture; まいか can convey uncertainty. ものやら wonders about something hard to know. というわけではない rejects an interpretation, も何も rejects a premise, and と思いきや introduces a surprising reversal.