Structure
Noun + であれ
[な]Adjective + であれ
WH-Word + であれ
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Formal
使用域
硬い
About であれ
Functioning as an extension of であれ, the formal copula that is a combination of the conjunctive form of the auxiliary verb だ, and the う-Verb ある, であれ or であろうと will be used in order to express strong will or conviction.
あれ is simply the imperative form of ある, while あろうと is the positive volitional form combined with the case-marking particle と. Both structures are usually translated as 'even if (A), (B)', or 'no matter if (A), (B)'. Despite this, the more literal meaning of each is closer to 'so it's (A), (B) still won't be affected'. This just emphasizes the fact that (A) is of no relation to the result, like saying 'so what if it is' in English.
Both であれ and であろうと will primarily attach to nouns in sentences that express some kind of question or assumption through words like どんな or たとえ.
あれ is simply the imperative form of ある, while あろうと is the positive volitional form combined with the case-marking particle と. Both structures are usually translated as 'even if (A), (B)', or 'no matter if (A), (B)'. Despite this, the more literal meaning of each is closer to 'so it's (A), (B) still won't be affected'. This just emphasizes the fact that (A) is of no relation to the result, like saying 'so what if it is' in English.
Both であれ and であろうと will primarily attach to nouns in sentences that express some kind of question or assumption through words like どんな or たとえ.
-
子供であれ、法律は守らなくてはいけない。Even if you are a child, you still need to obey the law.
- 理由が何であれ、家族や友達を裏切るのはよくないと思う。No matter the reason, I don't think it is right to betray your family and friends.
- いくらあなたが年上であろうと、ここでは一応私が先輩なので私の言うことに従ってください。No matter how much older you are, I am your superior here so please do as I say.
- 上司からのメール:インフルエンザであろうと、会社にはきてください。Email from one's boss: 'Even if you have the flu, please come to work.'
Synonyms
であれ〜であれ
Whether or, Or, No matter which, In either case
Not studied yet
にしろ~にしろ
Whether… or
Not studied yet
にせよ・にしろ
Even if, Even though, No matter, Whether… or
Not studied yet
とはいえ
Though, Although (I admit that), Be that as it may, Nonetheless
Not studied yet
何しろ
No wonder, After all, In fact, Because, At any rate
Not studied yet
Examples
友人の家であれ、訪問時は靴を脱ぐことが、基本的な礼儀です。
Even if it is a friend's house, taking shoes off when visiting are basic manners.
小説:「どのような状況であれ、逃げることは許されない。」
Novel: 'No matter the circumstances, running away is unforgivable.'
たとえ氷のように純粋であれ、世界の悪からは免れられないだろう。
Even if one is as pure as ice, it seems that one cannot avoid the evil of the world.
誰であれ全ての人々は同様に死ぬ。
No matter who you are, all people die similarly.
たとえ小さなものであれ検察官は賄賂を受け取るわけにはいかない。
Even if it is just a small thing, the public prosecutor must not accept a bribe.
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A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar
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