What is ～（よ）うと（も）/ ～（よ）うが?
This is a hypothetical concessive grammar pattern used to express:
- “No matter what happens / even if (something) happens, it won’t affect (the outcome)”
- It emphasizes that the result remains unchanged regardless of the condition.
Structure
| Type | Structure |
|---|---|
| Verb (volitional form) + と（も） | No matter how… |
| Verb (volitional form) + が | No matter how… |
Volitional form =
- Group 1 verbs: 行く → 行こう
- Group 2 verbs: 食べる → 食べよう
- Irregular: する → しよう, 来る → 来よう
Meaning in Context
Used when:
- Emphasizing that even if something happens / is done, it won’t influence or change the result.
- Often used in a formal, logical, or philosophical context.
English equivalents:
- “No matter how… / Even if…”
- “Whether (someone) does or not, (it doesn’t matter)”
- “Regardless of what happens…”
Example Sentences
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| どんなに反対しようとも、私は計画を実行する。 | No matter how much you oppose, I’ll go through with my plan. |
| どれほど努力しようが、結果は同じだ。 | No matter how hard you try, the result will be the same. |
| 誰が何を言おうと、私は信念を曲げない。 | No matter what anyone says, I won’t bend my beliefs. |
| 雨が降ろうが雪が降ろうが、試合は行われる。 | Whether it rains or snows, the match will be held. |
| どんなに急ごうとも、間に合わないだろう。 | No matter how much you hurry, you probably won’t make it. |
Nuances & Tone
| Pattern | Usage | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| ～ようと（も） | Strong, formal | Often philosophical, declarative |
| ～ようが | Similar, interchangeable | Slightly softer, but still formal |
- Mostly used in written language, speeches, and formal statements
- Less likely to appear in casual conversation
- Emphasizes inevitability, unchangeability, or strong determination
Comparison with Similar Expressions
| Expression | Meaning | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| たとえ～ても | Even if… | Common, neutral |
| どんなに～ても | No matter how… | Conversational, emphatic |
| ～ようと（も） | Even if… | Formal, strong emphasis |
| ～にかかわらず | Regardless of… | Neutral, factual |
Example:
- たとえ反対されても行く。→ Even if I’m opposed, I’ll go. (neutral)
- 反対されようとも行く。→ No matter how much I’m opposed, I’ll go. (strong, decisive)
Practice Exercise
Translate into Japanese using ～ようとも / ～ようが:
- No matter how tired I am, I will never give up.
- Even if the world ends, I will protect you.
- No matter how rich he becomes, he will never be happy.
Possible Answers:
- どんなに疲れようとも、決して諦めない。
- たとえ世界が滅びようが、君を守る。
- どれほど金持ちになろうとも、彼は幸せになれない。
Summary Table
| Grammar | ～ようと（も） / ～ようが |
|---|---|
| Meaning | No matter what… Even if… |
| Structure | [Verb volitional form] + と（も）/ が |
| Nuance | Strong, formal, decisive |
| Usage | Formal writing, speeches, resolute statements |
Pro Tip:
You’ll encounter this pattern a lot in JLPT N1 reading passages, essays, and speeches. It’s a powerful tool to express unyielding attitudes or logical, detached reasoning.
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