とて (tote): Even; even if
～とて (tote)
Meaning
Even; even if
Formation and usage
N／plain clause + とて
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
A literary or old-fashioned concession, uncommon in ordinary modern conversation.
Examples
教師とて、失敗しないわけではない。
Even a teacher can make mistakes.
医師とて、失敗しないわけではない。
Even a doctor can make mistakes.
指導者とて、失敗しないわけではない。
Even a leader can make mistakes.
経営者とて、失敗しないわけではない。
Even a manager can make mistakes.
政治家とて、失敗しないわけではない。
Even a politician can make mistakes.
How related patterns differ
くせに often reproaches; ものの and とはいえ qualify an admitted fact. にもかかわらず contradicts expectations; といえども and とて are formal concessions. たところで often judges an action ineffective; からといって rejects an automatic inference.