Japanese grammar
What does ～あっての～ mean? Japanese grammar N1
～あっての～ means only possible because of…; owes its existence to….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + あっての + N |
| Romaji | atteno |
| Meaning | only possible because of…; owes its existence to… |
Forming it
| Noun (person) | お客様 + あっての + 商売 |
|---|---|
| Noun (foundation) | 健康 + あっての + 仕事 |
How to use it
Emphasizes that A is an INDISPENSABLE condition for B to exist; often used to express gratitude.
- 「AあってのB」 = "B exists only because of A": A is an essential foundation — without A, B loses its meaning or ceases to exist.
- Often accompanies an expression of thanks or a reminder of one's roots: 「お客様あっての商売」 (a business exists only because of its customers).
- Often ends with 「～だ／です」 or is followed by an emphatic clause.
Examples
お客様あっての商売だから、感謝を忘れてはいけない。
A business exists only thanks to its customers, so never forget to be grateful.
健康あっての仕事だ。無理はしないでほしい。
Work is only possible if you have your health — please don’t overdo it.
Keep in mind
- Both sides must be NOUNS.
- A is an essential condition, not an ordinary cause.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong努力があっての成功だ。
Success comes only from effort.
Correct努力あっての成功だ。
「あっての」 attaches DIRECTLY to the noun — do not insert 「が」.
-
Wrong雨あっての試合が中止になった。
The match was called off due to rain.
Correct雨のため試合が中止になった。
「あっての」 states an ESSENTIAL condition for existence — it is not used for an ordinary cause.
Exam tips
- 「AあってのB」 = "B exists only because of A" (essential foundation); attaches directly to a noun.