What does ～であれ～であれ mean? Japanese grammar N1

Forming it

How to use it

States two opposing NOUNS, asserting the conclusion applies to both. Formal, written style.

• 「～であれ～であれ」 states two opposing nouns and then concludes: whichever it is, it's the same.
• Attaches only to NOUNS (unlike 「～うと～うと」, which mainly attaches to verbs/adjectives).
• Formal; conversation usually uses 「～でも～でも」.

Examples

• 雨(あめ)であれ雪(ゆき)であれ、試合(しあい)は中止(ちゅうし)にならない。

  Rain or snow, the match will not be canceled.

• 男(おとこ)であれ女(おんな)であれ、平等(びょうどう)に扱(あつか)われるべきだ。

  Man or woman, everyone should be treated equally.

Keep in mind

• Attaches directly to a noun with 「であれ」.
• The following clause is a general conclusion — not used for a request.

Common mistakes

• Wrong行(い)くであれ行(い)かないであれ、連絡(れんらく)して。

  Whether you go or not, get in touch, okay?

  Correct行(い)くにせよ行(い)かないにせよ、連絡(れんらく)して。

  「であれ」 attaches to NOUNS; for verbs, use 「～にせよ～にせよ」/「～うと～うと」.

• Wrong雨(あめ)であれ雪(ゆき)であれ、傘(かさ)を貸(か)してください。

  Whether it's rain or snow, please lend me an umbrella.

  Correct雨(あめ)であれ雪(ゆき)であれ、予定(よてい)は変(か)えない。

  The following clause states an UNCHANGED conclusion — it's not used for a request.

Exam tips

• 「であれ～であれ」 = whether N1 or N2 (attaches only to NOUNS, formal).

Related patterns

• ～うと～うと
• ～にせよ～にせよ
• ～を問わず