JLPT N1 Grammar

〜であれ〜であれ (de are... de are...)

〜であれ〜であれ (de are... de are...)
"Whether it be A or B; No matter if it is A or B"

This expression is used to list two contrasting or related examples to emphasize that the same condition, rule, or result applies to both, and by extension, to everything in that category. It suggests that the specific distinction between the two examples does not change the overall situation or the speaker's determination.

  • Formality: Highly formal and literary.
  • Context: Primarily used in written Japanese (editorials, formal reports, contracts) or formal spoken contexts (public speeches, corporate announcements). It is rarely used in casual daily conversation.
  • Nuance: It carries a strong, resolute, or authoritative tone. It is often used to express a universal truth, a strict company policy, or a firm personal stance that remains unwavering regardless of the circumstances.

Format

  • Noun A + であれ + Noun B + であれ
    社長であれ新入社員であれ、コンプライアンスを遵守しなければならない。 Whether you are the CEO or a new recruit, you must adhere to compliance.
  • Noun A + であれ + Na-adjective + であれ
    理由が正当であれ不当であれ、結果がすべてだ。 Whether the reason is justified or unjustified, the result is everything.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Whether it be domestic or overseas, it is necessary to accurately grasp market trends.
  • 、。
    Whether one is a permanent employee or a contract employee, thorough information management is mandated.
  • 、。
    Whether it is a technical challenge or a budgetary issue, an urgent response is required.
  • 、。
    Whether it is face-to-face or online, smooth communication is the key to project success.
  • 、。
    Whether it is a large corporation or a startup, survival is difficult without innovation.
  • 、。
    Whether in agreement or opposition, one should state their opinion logically.
  • 、。
    Whether it is tens of thousands of yen or hundreds of millions of yen, the weight of handling company assets does not change.
  • 、。
    Whether in work or private life, keeping promises is the basis of trust.
  • 、。
    Whether it is short-term or long-term, actions based on strategy are essential.
  • 、。
    Whether they are capable or mediocre, all employees should be evaluated equally.

Similar Grammar

〜といい〜といい (to ii... to ii...)

"Both A and B (are equally ...)"
このカバンは、色といいデザインといい、仕事にぴったりだ。 This bag, in both color and design, is perfect for work.

Difference:

  • Usually used to praise or criticize specific qualities.
  • It focuses on descriptive characteristics, whereas 〜であれ〜であれ focuses on the irrelevance of the distinction.

〜にせよ〜にせよ (ni seyo... ni seyo...)

"Whether it be A or B; either way."
行くにせよ行かないにせよ、返事は早くすべきだ。 Whether you go or don't go, you should reply quickly.

Difference:

  • Very similar, but 〜にせよ can be used with verbs more easily.
  • It is slightly more common in business speech than the more literary 〜であれ.

〜につけ〜につけ (ni tsuke... ni tsuke...)

"Whenever A or B happens; whether in A or B."
良いにつけ悪いにつけ、報告は欠かさないでください。 Whether things are going well or poorly, please do not fail to report.

Difference:

  • Often used with emotional reactions or natural consequences that occur whenever the situation arises.

〜か〜まいか (ka... mai ka)

"Whether to [verb] or not to [verb]."
このプロジェクトを引き受けるべきか、引き受けるまいか迷っている。 I am wondering whether I should take on this project or not.

Difference:

  • Specifically for internal conflict or deciding between doing and not doing an action.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. が（　　　）、でをことは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. のは、（　　　）（　　　）、にとってとなるだろう。
A. /
B. /
C. /
D. /

Q3. （　　　）、のをは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. が（　　　）、のあるをしたい。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. （　　　）（　　　）、からにはでのがのだ。
A. /
B. /
C. /
D. /

Q6. の（　　　）、はされる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. （　　　）（　　　）、をしてはならないのはだ。
A. /
B. /
C. /
D.

Q8. （　　　）、のはである。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. （　　　）（　　　）、をのは。
A. /
B. /
C. /
D. /

Q10. （　　　）、へのをべきではない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. （　　　）（　　　）、のはに。
A. /
B. /
C. /
D. /

Q12. が（　　　）、をべきだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. が（　　　）（　　　）、はである。
A. /
B. /
C. /
D. /

Q14. のでのは、（　　　）ものだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. （　　　）、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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