Japanese grammar
What does ～はどうであれ mean? Japanese grammar N1
～はどうであれ means regardless of how…; anyway.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + はどうであれ |
| Romaji | hadoudeare |
| Meaning | regardless of how…; anyway |
Forming it
| Noun (result) | 結果 + はどうであれ |
|---|---|
| Noun (condition) | 天候 + はどうであれ |
How to use it
States that however A turns out doesn't matter; the outcome/attitude stays the same.
- 「～はどうであれ」 = however A turns out, it doesn't change what's stated in the following clause: "whatever A is like, then…".
- Different from 「のいかんにかかわらず」 (very formal, used in documents): 「はどうであれ」 is more natural, used in speech too.
- The following clause is usually a determination or something certain.
Examples
結果はどうであれ、全力を尽くすだけだ。
Whatever the outcome, all I can do is give it my all.
理由はどうであれ、約束を破ったのは事実だ。
Whatever the reason, the fact remains that you broke your promise.
Keep in mind
- Attaches to a noun.
- The clause that follows states something unchanging.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong結果はどうであれ、変わるかもしれない。
Whatever the outcome, the policy might change.
Correct結果はどうであれ、方針は変わらない。
The following clause states something that does NOT change; to say something might change, use 「のいかんでは」.
-
Wrong結果がどうであれば、頑張る。
Whatever the outcome, I'll do my best.
Correct結果はどうであれ、頑張る。
The fixed structure is 「～はどうであれ」, not conjugated as 「どうであれば」.
Exam tips
- 「はどうであれ」 = whatever A is like, it stays the same; more natural than 「のいかんにかかわらず」.