JLPT N1 Grammar

〜あっての (atte no)

〜あっての (atte no)
"thanks to ~; only because of ~; without ~, there would be no ~"

This expression is used to emphasize that a certain result, status, or existence (B) is only possible because of a specific indispensable condition or entity (A). It highlights a strong dependency or a deep sense of gratitude toward (A) that makes everything else work.

  • Formality: Formal to Neutral. It is frequently used in professional speeches, interviews, corporate mottos, and formal writing.
  • Context: Business (expressing gratitude to clients or team members), health and well-being, or reflecting on the fundamental causes of success.
  • Nuance: It carries a strong emotional weight of "X is the lifeblood/foundation." It is often used to remind others (or oneself) not to take the most important underlying factor for granted.

Format

  • Noun A + あっての + Noun B
    お客様あっての商売です。 Business exists only because of its customers.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Since this trade magazine exists only thanks to its readers, we must always reflect the needs of the field.
  • 、。
    No matter how excellent a strategy is, success is only possible through the power of execution.
  • 、。
    I truly realized once again that the project's completion was only possible because of our teamwork.
  • 、。
    Since operating a platform is only possible through user trust, no compromise on security can be permitted.
  • 。
    There is some truth to the idea that social contribution is only possible if there are profits.

Similar Grammar

〜なくしては (naku shite wa)

“without... (it is impossible)”
努力なくしては、成功はありえない。 Without effort, success is impossible.

Difference:

  • Focuses on the absolute necessity of a condition to achieve a result.
  • It is often used in negative structures (e.g., "Without X, Y cannot happen"). 〜あっての is more descriptive and emphasizes the existence of the foundation itself.

〜あってこそ (atte koso)

“only because there is...”
健康であってこそ、好きな仕事ができる。 Only because you have health can you do the work you love.

Difference:

  • Very similar, but 〜あってこそ adds even stronger emphasis on the preceding noun as the only factor that matters.
  • While 〜あっての connects two nouns directly, 〜あってこそ often ends a clause or leads into a verb.

〜ゆえに (yue ni)

“because of; due to”
貧しさゆえに、彼は学校に通えなかった。 Because of poverty, he was unable to attend school.

Difference:

  • A formal way to state a cause-and-effect relationship.
  • It lacks the specific nuance of "indispensable foundation" or "gratitude" found in 〜あっての.

〜を抜きにしては (o nuki ni shite wa)

“leaving out...; without...”
彼の協力ぬきにしては、この計画は完成しない。 Without his cooperation, this project will not be completed.

Difference:

  • Suggests that if you remove a certain factor, the whole discussion or situation doesn't hold up.
  • It is often used to highlight a key player or topic that cannot be ignored.

〜をもって (o motte)

“with; by means of”
これをもって、本日の会議を終了します。 With this, I declare today's meeting closed.

Difference:

  • Indicates the means, method, or timing of an action. It doesn't imply the "foundational existence" nuance of 〜あっての.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. の（　　　）、こののは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. は（　　　）、はでなを見せている。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. な（　　　）だと、はのように言う。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. が的（　　　）、がとなってに。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. の（　　　）のですから、ながです。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. はの（　　　）、たちのとなるをすべきだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. （　　　）というから、をせずにをください。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. （　　　）のであることを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. の（　　　）、はなに。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. （　　　）であり、ではそれは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. な（　　　）、はを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. （　　　）のであり、のだけではがあった。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. の（　　　）、このをことはできなかっただろう。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. を（　　　）、なが。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. の（　　　）のであり、からは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Continue Your Journey to Native-Level Fluency

Great work finishing this session! Achieving N1-level precision is about layering these subtle distinctions until they become second nature in your professional life.

To maintain your momentum and eliminate any remaining blind spots, head back to our JLPT N1 Grammar List. Use it to systematically check off each point and refine your ability to navigate complex Japanese environments with the confidence of a native speaker.

JLPT N1 Grammar List

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