JLPT N1 Grammar

〜であれ (de are)

〜であれ (de are)

"Whether it be; be it; no matter if it is"

This expression is used to indicate that regardless of which option or alternative is chosen from among multiple possibilities, the statement that follows applies equally to all. It emphasizes universality and impartiality—that the condition, rule, or principle holds true in every case without exception.

  • Formality: Highly formal and literary. This is a classical expression derived from classical Japanese grammar.
  • Context: Predominantly used in written Japanese such as formal documents, legal texts, academic papers, policy statements, corporate guidelines, and official announcements. Occasionally appears in formal speeches or presentations.
  • Nuance: It carries an authoritative and absolute tone, often used to establish universal rules, principles, or conditions that apply without discrimination. The expression conveys fairness, impartiality, and comprehensiveness. It suggests that no exceptions will be made regardless of status, position, or circumstances. Often used in pairs (AであれBであれ) to present contrasting or representative examples.

Format

  • Noun + であれ
    社員であれ、役員であれ、この規則は全員に適用される。 Whether you are an employee or an executive, this rule applies to everyone.
  • Noun + であれ + Noun + であれ (paired form)
    国内市場であれ海外市場であれ、顧客満足度が最優先だ。 Whether it be the domestic market or overseas markets, customer satisfaction is the top priority.
  • Verb (plain form) + であれ (less common, usually with nominalizations)
    成功するであれ失敗するであれ、この経験は貴重だ。 Whether we succeed or fail, this experience is valuable.
  • 疑問詞 + であれ (question word + であれ)
    誰であれ、この機密情報にアクセスするには許可が必要だ。 Whoever it may be, permission is required to access this confidential information.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Whether you are a full-time employee or a contract employee, attendance at our company's compliance training is mandatory.
  • 、。
    Whether it be a new business or an existing business, it is necessary to thoroughly verify profitability.
  • 、、。
    Whoever it may be, if confidential information is leaked, they will be subject to strict disciplinary action.
  • 、。
    Whether it be an online meeting or a face-to-face meeting, the creation of meeting minutes should be thorough.
  • 、。
    Whether one is in management or a general employee, it is necessary to raise awareness regarding harassment prevention.
  • 、。
    Whether it be a large corporation or a startup, responding to digital transformation is an urgent issue.
  • 、。
    Whether it be manufacturing or the service industry, thorough quality management becomes the source of competitiveness.
  • 、。
    Whichever department it may be, when applying for budget, a cost-effectiveness analysis must be attached.
  • 、。
    Whether it be a domestic business trip or an overseas business trip, it is stipulated that approval from one's supervisor must be obtained in advance.
  • 、。
    Whether it be success or failure, reflection after project completion is indispensable for organizational growth.

Similar Grammar

〜を問わず (o towazu)

"Regardless of; irrespective of"
年齢を問わず、誰でも応募できる。 Anyone can apply regardless of age.

Difference:

  • 〜を問わず is more commonly used and slightly less formal than 〜であれ.
  • It typically takes a single noun (not paired) and emphasizes that the factor mentioned is irrelevant.
  • 〜であれ often appears in pairs (AであれBであれ) to present contrasting examples, while 〜を問わず usually stands alone.

〜にかかわらず (ni kakawarazu)

"Regardless of; irrespective of"
天候にかかわらず、イベントは開催される。 Regardless of the weather, the event will be held.

Difference:

  • 〜にかかわらず emphasizes that an external factor or circumstance does not affect the outcome.
  • It is less formal than 〜であれ and more commonly used in everyday business writing.
  • 〜であれ has a more authoritative tone, often used in policies and regulations.

〜にせよ〜にせよ (ni seyo ~ ni seyo)

"Whether... or...; be it... or..."
成功にせよ失敗にせよ、全力を尽くすことが大切だ。 Whether it succeeds or fails, it's important to give it your all.

Difference:

  • 〜にせよ is similar in structure (paired form) but slightly less formal than 〜であれ.
  • Both can present alternatives, but 〜にせよ is more commonly used in spoken formal Japanese.
  • 〜であれ is more literary and authoritative, typically reserved for written documents.

〜であろうと (de arou to)

"Whether it is; even if it is"
社長であろうと、法律には従わなければならない。 Even if one is the company president, one must obey the law.

Difference:

  • 〜であろうと has a hypothetical or concessive nuance ("even if").
  • It can be used with a single noun to emphasize an extreme case.
  • 〜であれ is more neutral and emphasizes equal application across all cases presented.

〜だろうが〜だろうが (darou ga ~ darou ga)

"Whether... or...; no matter if..."
雨だろうが雪だろうが、毎朝ジョギングをしている。 Whether it's rain or snow, I jog every morning.

Difference:

  • 〜だろうが is casual to neutral in formality, while 〜であれ is highly formal.
  • 〜だろうが often conveys stronger determination or defiance in the face of obstacles.
  • 〜であれ is used for impartial statements in formal contexts, especially rules and policies.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. が（　　　）、でをことは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. が（　　　）、のをすべきだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. （　　　）（　　　）、のをしなければならない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. な（　　　）、のはだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. が（　　　）、ことにが。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. （　　　）、のをは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. （　　　）ながとなっている。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. （　　　）、はをするだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. （　　　）（　　　）、からにはにべきだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. （　　　）、であるをことはある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. のが（　　　）、のにはがある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. （　　　）（　　　）、は通り。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. （　　　）、のはなだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. が（　　　）、をすることはできない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. （　　　）（　　　）、のはべきだ。
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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