What is this grammar?
This is a hypothetical concessive structure used to express:
- βWhether (someone) does or doesnβt do something, (the result wonβt change)β
- It presents two opposing possibilities (do or not do) and states that the result, situation, or decision remains unaffected.
Structure
Type | Structure |
---|---|
Verb (volitional form) + γ¨ / γ + Verb (dictionary negative form without γͺγ + γΎγ) + γ¨ / γ | Whether (someone) does or doesnβt doβ¦ |
γΎγ is a classical negative volitional meaning βprobably wonβt / letβs not / will notβ.
Verb conjugation:
- Group 1: θ‘γ β θ‘γγγ»θ‘γγΎγ
- Group 2: ι£γΉγ β ι£γΉγγγ»ι£γΉγΎγ
- Irregular:
- γγ β γγγγ»γγγΎγ
- ζ₯γ β ζ₯γγγ»ζ₯γΎγ
Meaning in Context
Used when:
- Emphasizing that no matter what choice is made (whether A or B), the conclusion/result is the same.
- Often used in a formal, strong-willed, or logical context.
English equivalents:
- βWhether (someone) does or doesnβtβ¦β
- βRegardless of whether (someone) doesβ¦ or notβ
Example Sentences
Japanese | English |
---|---|
ι¨γιγγγ¨ιγγΎγγ¨γ試εγ―θ‘γγγγ | Whether it rains or not, the game will be held. |
ε½Όγζ₯γγγζ₯γγΎγγγη§γγ‘γ―ε§γγγ | Whether he comes or not, weβll start. |
ζεγγγγ¨γγΎγγ¨γζζ¦γγδΎ‘ε€γγγγ | Whether it succeeds or not, itβs worth trying. |
θͺ°γθ³ζγγγγγγΎγγγη§γ―γγγ¨ζ±Ίγγγ | Whether anyone agrees or not, Iβve decided to do it. |
ι£γΉγγγ¨ι£γΉγΎγγ¨γ代ιγ―εγγ γ | Whether you eat or not, the price is the same. |
Nuances & Tone
- Very formal, logical, or resolute.
- Often appears in speeches, essays, formal discussions.
- Implies a strong stance, clear outcome, or logical certainty.
Comparison with Similar Patterns
Expression | Meaning | Nuance |
---|---|---|
ο½γγγ¨ο½γΎγγ¨ | Whether (someone) does or doesnβt | Formal, decisive |
ο½γ¦γο½γͺγγ¦γ | Whether or not | More casual |
ο½γ«γγγγγ | Regardless of | Neutral |
ο½γ γγγο½γ γγγ | Whether itβs A or B | Conversational |
Example:
- ι¨γιγ£γ¦γιγγͺγγ¦γθ‘γγ β Iβll go whether it rains or not. (casual)
- ι¨γιγγγ¨ιγγΎγγ¨θ‘γγ β Iβll go whether it rains or not. (formal, resolute)
Practice Exercise
Translate into Japanese using ο½γγγ¨ο½γΎγγ¨ / ο½γγγο½γΎγγ:
- Whether you study or not, the exam will come.
- Whether he agrees or not, weβll proceed.
- Whether it succeeds or fails, itβs worth trying.
Possible Answers:
- εεΌ·γγγγ¨γγΎγγ¨γ試ι¨γ―ζ₯γγ
- ε½Όγθ³ζγγγγγγγΎγγγη§γγ‘γ―ι²γγγ
- ζεγγγγ¨ε€±ζγγγγ¨γζζ¦γγδΎ‘ε€γγγγ
Summary Table
Grammar | ο½γγγ¨ο½γΎγγ¨ / ο½γγγο½γΎγγ |
---|---|
Meaning | Whether (someone) does or doesnβt |
Structure | [Volitional form] + γ¨ / γ + [Dictionary negative stem + γΎγ] + γ¨ / γ |
Nuance | Strong, formal, logical |
Usage | Essays, speeches, resolute declarations |
Pro Tip:
This grammar pattern pairs really well with decisive verbs like:
- θ‘γγζ₯γγγγ
- θ³ζγγγεε―Ύγγγζεγγγε€±ζγγ
β As it naturally expresses decisiveness despite circumstances.

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