📖 Japanese Grammar Guide N1 :～であれ / ～であろうと

📌 What is this grammar?

This is a concessive hypothetical grammar pattern used to express:

• “No matter what / whoever / whatever it is, the result or stance remains the same.”
• It’s often used to present two or more possibilities or hypothetical situations that don’t affect the outcome.

📖 Structure

✅ Both patterns are formal and interchangeable in meaning, though であろうと sounds slightly more literary or philosophical.

🎨 Meaning in Context

Used when:

• Emphasizing that the situation, decision, or attitude won’t change no matter what something is.
• Often paired with 誰 (whoever), 何 (whatever), どこ (wherever).

English equivalents:

• “No matter who/what/where/when…”
• “Even if it is…”

📚 Example Sentences

📌 Nuances & Tone

• であれ tends to be more factual/logical.
• であろうと is often used in essays, speeches, or philosophical statements.

📝 Comparison with Similar Patterns

Example:

• 理由が何であれ許せない。→ No matter what the reason is, I can’t forgive it. (formal)
• 理由が何でも許せない。→ Whatever the reason, I can’t forgive it. (casual)

✅ Practice Exercise

Translate into Japanese using ～であれ / ～であろうと:

1. No matter who the person is, violence is unacceptable.
2. Whether it’s true or not, it doesn’t matter.
3. No matter how difficult it is, I won’t give up.

Possible Answers:

1. 相手が誰であれ、暴力は許されない。
2. それが事実であろうと関係ない。
3. どんなに難しかろうと、諦めない。

📝 Summary Table

📑 Pro Tip:

You’ll often see this in JLPT N1 reading, news articles, academic writing, or formal public statements. It’s a powerful pattern to convey unwavering principles or positions.