JLPT N1 Grammar

〜かれ〜かれ (kare ~ kare)

〜かれ〜かれ (kare ~ kare)
“Sooner or later; more or less; whether... or...”

This grammar point is used to express that regardless of the degree or timing, a certain outcome is inevitable or a certain state exists. It is formed by pairing two contrasting i-adjectives (usually opposites) to show that the specific position on the spectrum doesn't change the ultimate reality.

  • Formality: Highly formal, literary, and idiomatic. It is a set expression derived from classical Japanese.
  • Context: Primarily used in written Japanese, formal speeches, or professional observations. It is common in business strategy discussions, philosophical reflections on market trends, or when discussing inevitable risks.
  • Nuance: It carries a sense of resignation or objective certainty. The speaker is saying, "The exact amount or timing may vary, but the result is the same." It is almost always used with specific traditional pairs (e.g., fast/slow, many/few).

Format

The pattern specifically uses the stem of i-adjectives (the part before the 〜い).

  • [Adj 1 Stem] + かれ + [Adj 2 Stem] + かれ
    遅かれ早かれ (osokare hayakare) — Sooner or later
    多かれ少なかれ (ōkare sukunakare) — More or less / To some degree
    良かれ悪しかれ (yokare ashikare) — For better or worse

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Sooner or later, the current business model will reach its limit.
  • 、。
    More or less, every department is being affected by the budget cuts.
  • 、。
    For better or worse, the introduction of AI will drastically change the working environment.
  • 、。
    Sooner or later, our competitors are expected to implement similar features.
  • 、。
    To some degree, new business ventures naturally involve risks.
  • 、。
    For better or worse, that acquisition drama will end up drawing the industry's attention.
  • 、。
    Sooner or later, it will be necessary to proceed with digital transformation.
  • 、。
    To some extent, marketing measures always contain uncertain elements.
  • 、。
    For better or worse, past success experiences cloud one's judgment.
  • 、。
    Sooner or later, we will end up facing market saturation.

Similar Grammar

〜につけ〜につけ (ni tsuke ~ ni tsuke)

“Whether... or...”
良いにつけ悪いにつけ、結果を報告してください。 Whether it’s good or bad, please report the results.

Difference:

  • Used when something naturally triggers a certain feeling or action every time, whereas 〜かれ〜かれ is more about an inevitable status or degree.

〜なり〜なり (nari ~ nari)

“Either... or...; or something”
部長なり課長なりに相談してください。 Please consult with the department head or the section manager (or someone).

Difference:

  • Used for giving options or suggestions.

〜であれ〜であれ (de are ~ de are)

“Whether it be... or...”
社長であれ新入社員であれ、ルールは守るべきだ。 Whether it’s the president or a new employee, rules should be followed.

Difference:

  • Used for nouns to show that the category doesn't change the outcome.

〜にしろ〜にしろ (ni shiro ~ ni shiro)

“Whether... or...”
行くにしろ行かないにしろ、連絡をください。 Whether you go or not, please let me know.

Difference:

  • More common in spoken Japanese and focuses on a choice between two actions.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. のは、（　　　）、のをことになるだろう。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. がした、なは（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. のは、のに（　　　）を。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. なは、（　　　）、内にを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. がのに（　　　）、のは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. のにより、のは（　　　）にある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. をにとって、とのは（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. が（　　　）、のでです。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. のは、に（　　　）ことになる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. は、にとって（　　　）、のとなる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. ので（　　　）、のをすべきだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. のは、（　　　）のを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. のは、（　　　）のにを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. のは、（　　　）、のにだろう。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. のが（　　　）、のはする。
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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