JLPT N1 Grammar

〜のやら〜のやら (no yara ~ no yara)

〜のやら〜のやら (no yara ~ no yara)
"Whether... or...; I don't know if... or..."

This expression is used to list two contrasting or related possibilities, states, or reasons when the speaker is uncertain, confused, or even slightly overwhelmed by the situation. It often carries a nuance of "I can't tell which it is" or "there are so many factors I don't know where to start."

  • Formality: Neutral to slightly literary. It is more common in written reports, reflective business journals, or thoughtful spoken Japanese rather than casual daily chatter.
  • Context: Used frequently in business when evaluating complex situations, market reactions, or team dynamics where the outcome or cause isn't clear-cut.
  • Nuance: It implies a sense of bewilderment, irony, or skepticism. It’s often used to describe a "mixed bag" of emotions or results (e.g., "I don't know if they are happy or sad"). Unlike simple "A か B か," this grammar emphasizes the speaker's internal state of doubt or the chaotic nature of the situation.

Format

  • Verb (Plain Form) + のやら + Verb (Plain Form) + のやら
    仕事が進んでいるのやら滞っているのやら、進捗が見えない。I can't tell whether the work is progressing or stalling; I can't see the progress.
  • Noun + なのやら + Noun + なのやら
    これが成功なのやら失敗なのやら、現時点では判断できない。At this point, I can't judge whether this is a success or a failure.
  • な-Adj + なのやら + な-Adj + なのやら
    彼の説明は必要なのやら不必要なのやら、要点が絞り込めていない。I'm not sure if his explanation is necessary or unnecessary; the main points aren't focused.
  • い-Adj + のやら + い-Adj + のやら
    最新のUIは使いやすいのやら使いにくいのやら、意見が分かれている。Opinions are divided on whether the latest UI is easy or difficult to use.

Example sentences

  • 、、。
    Discussions within the company are becoming complicated over whether the direction of the new business is appropriate or completely off-target.
  • 、、、。
    I'm struggling to judge whether efficiency has improved or if unnecessary man-hours have increased as a result of implementing the latest AI tools.
  • 、、。
    I cannot accept whether these repeated specification changes are for the customer's sake or just to cause confusion on the front lines.
  • 、、。
    I'm not sure if his presentation is logical or if he's just being loud, but it lacks persuasiveness.
  • 、、。
    It is extremely difficult to predict whether the surge in market prices is temporary or a long-term trend.
  • 、、。
    We should investigate the actual state of whether remote work is truly taking root or has just become a mere formality.
  • 、、。
    Reflecting without false modesty, I wonder whether winning that large-scale contract was due to our ability or just plain luck.
  • 、、。
    The reaction is mixed regarding whether this marketing measure is enhancing the brand image or disappointing existing fans.
  • 、、。
    Close observation is required to see whether the organizational change will bear fruit or just end in mere confusion.
  • 、、。
    It's taking time to identify whether the cause of this bug lies in the code or on the infrastructure side.

Similar Grammar

〜か〜か (ka... ka...)

"A or B"
プロジェクトを継続するか撤退するか、決断を迫られている。We are being pressured to make a decision on whether to continue the project or withdraw.

Difference:

  • A standard way to list options or choices.
  • It is neutral and doesn't necessarily carry the nuance of "bewilderment" or "I can't tell" that 〜のやら does.

〜につけ〜につけ (ni tsuke... ni tsuke...)

"Whether (in the case of) A or B"
良いにつけ悪いにつけ、結果を報告してください。Please report the results, whether they are good or bad.

Difference:

  • Focuses on "in both cases" or "whenever something happens."
  • It implies that regardless of which one it is, the same result follows.

〜やら〜やら (yara... yara...)

"Things like A and B (among others)"
今週は会議やら出張やらで忙しい。This week is busy with things like meetings and business trips.

Difference:

  • Used to list multiple items or actions in a non-exhaustive way (similar to 〜だの〜だの or 〜たり〜たり).
  • It focuses on the variety of things causing a situation, rather than a "which is it?" dilemma.

〜だの〜だの (da no... da no...)

"A and B and so on (often complaining)"
給料が低いだの休みが少ないだの、不満ばかり言っている。They are doing nothing but complaining about things like the salary being low and having few days off.

Difference:

  • Specifically used when listing complaints or things the speaker finds annoying or excessive.

〜なり〜なり (nari... nari...)

"A or B or whatever (giving suggestions)"
分からないなら、検索するなり同僚に聞くなりしてください。If you don't understand, please do something like searching for it or asking a colleague.

Difference:

  • Used to give choices or suggestions ("Do A or B, I don't care which, just do something").

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. のがに（　　　）、になる（　　　）、ではだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. がする（　　　）、はのをした。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. のは（　　　）、（　　　）、にことが多い。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. なは、にとって（　　　）になる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. のを（　　　）、のはだったと言わざるを得ない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. が通り（　　　）、に（　　　）、今のではにもわからない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. たるもの、（　　　）（　　　）、常にをべきだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. のをすべき（　　　）、をすべき（　　　）、は尽きない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. でもできないのだから、の私に（　　　）わかる（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D. /

Q10. （　　　）、（　　　）、わが社のはに。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. をする（　　　）、率をする（　　　）、をすべきだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. のは、をにする（　　　）、にする（　　　）、は言えない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. はが（　　　）、が（　　　）、ばかり並べている。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. のがにある（　　　）、はに従うほかない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. が（　　　）、（　　　）、ことだ。
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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