Processing keyword: ～だろうとなかろうと (〜darou to nakarou to)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～だろうとなかろうと (〜darou to nakarou to)

JLPT Grammar Lesson: ～だろうとなかろうと (〜darou to nakarou to)

1. Introduction

Welcome to today's lesson on the Japanese grammar point ～だろうとなかろうと (〜darou to nakarou to). This expression is used to convey "whether or not" and emphasizes that the outcome remains the same regardless of the condition. It's a formal phrase often found in written language and speeches.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～だろうとなかろうと means "whether or not". It highlights that something will happen or be true regardless of the circumstances mentioned.

Structure

The structure combines the presumptive form だろう (will probably be) with the classical negative presumptive form なかろう (will probably not be), connected by と. Formation:

1. Verb / い-Adjective Plain Form + だろうと + Verb / い-Adjective Negative Stem + なかろうと
2. な-Adjective / Noun + であろうと + な-Adjective / Noun + でなかろうと

Formation Diagram

For verbs and い-adjectives: | Part | Form | |---------------|----------------------------------------| | Affirmative | [Verb / い-Adj Plain Form] + だろうと | | Negative | [Verb Stem / い-Adj Stem] + なかろうと | For な-adjectives and nouns: | Part | Form | |---------------|---------------------------------------| | Affirmative | [な-Adj / Noun] + であろうと | | Negative | [な-Adj / Noun] + でなかろうと |

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ～ても～なくても: Also means "whether or not" but is more conversational.
• ～であれ～であれ: A formal expression meaning "whether it is... or...".

Comparison Table

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Verb Usage

彼が来ようとなかろうと、会議は予定通り行います。 Kar e ga koyou to nakarou to, kaigi wa yotei dōri okonaimasu.

• Whether he comes or not, the meeting will proceed as scheduled.

Example 2: い-Adjective Usage

結果が良かろうとなかろうと、最善を尽くすべきだ。 Kekka ga yokarou to nakarou to, saizen o tsukusu beki da.

• Whether the results are good or not, we should do our best.

Example 3: な-Adjective Usage

彼が真面目であろうとでなかろうと、公平に評価します。 Kare ga majime de arou to de nakarou to, kōhei ni hyōka shimasu.

• Whether he is serious or not, I will evaluate him fairly.

Example 4: Noun Usage

学生であろうとでなかろうと、このイベントに参加できます。 Gakusei de arou to de nakarou to, kono ibento ni sanka dekimasu.

• Whether you are a student or not, you can participate in this event.

5. Cultural Notes

Formality and Usage

• ～だろうとなかろうと is a formal expression.
• Common in written Japanese, such as essays, articles, and formal speeches.
• Adds emphasis and a sense of determination or indifference to the condition.

Idiomatic Expressions

• While not idiomatic, this grammar point is often used in proverbs and formal statements to underscore unwavering commitment.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistake 1: Incorrect Negative Formation

Incorrect:

• 彼が来るだろうと来ないだろうと、会議は行います。 Correction:
• 彼が来ようとなかろうと、会議は行います。 Tip: Use the negative presumptive form なかろう after removing the negative ない from the plain negative form.

Common Mistake 2: Using in Casual Conversation

• Mistake: Using ～だろうとなかろうと in everyday casual speech.
• Correction: Use ～ても～なくても for casual contexts. Example:
• Casual: 雨が降っても降らなくても、行きます。
• Formal: 雨が降ろうとなかろうと、行きます。

Learning Strategy

• Mnemonic Device: Think of だろうとなかろうと as "Whether it will be or will not be."
• Remember that なかろう is an old-fashioned negative form, mostly used in set expressions.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～だろうとなかろうと expresses "whether or not" in a formal context.
• Used to indicate that the outcome is unaffected by the condition.
• Commonly used in written language and formal speeches.
• Be mindful of the formality level when choosing this expression.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ～だろうとなかろうと mean in English?
2. Is ～だろうとなかろうと suitable for casual conversation?
3. Fill in the blanks: 勝とうと_______、全力を尽くします。 Answers:
4. It means "whether or not".
5. No, it's a formal expression; use ～ても～なくても for casual contexts.
6. 勝とうとなかろうと、全力を尽くします。(Whether I win or not, I will do my best.)

By understanding ～だろうとなかろうと, you can express conditions emphatically in formal Japanese. Remember to use it appropriately and pay attention to the formality of your context!