Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
A うが B うが (A uga B uga)

A うが B うが (A uga B uga)

Short explanation:

Expresses the idea of 'no matter how...or', 'even if...or'.

Formation:

Verb-volitional form + うが + Verb-volition form + うが

Examples:

朝早く起きるうが、夜遅く起きるうが、いつもバスが遅れる。
Asa hayaku okiru u ga, yoru osoku okiru u ga, itsumo basu ga okureru.
No matter whether I wake up early in the morning or late at night, the bus is always late.
彼に話すうが、話さないうが、結果は変わらない。
Kare ni hanasu u ga, hanasanai u ga, kekka wa kawaranai.
Even if I speak to him or don't, the result won't change.
この仕事をするうが、しないうが、給料は同じだ。
Kono shigoto o suru u ga, shinai u ga, kyuuryou wa onaji da.
Whether I do this job or not, the salary is the same.
あの人に話すうが、話さないうが、理解してくれるとは思えない。
Ano hito ni hanasu u ga, hanasanai u ga, rikai shite kureru to wa omoenai.
I don't think that person would understand whether I talk to them or not.

Long explanation:

The ~うが ~うが grammar point is used to express repeated actions or states with no change in result. It suggests that regardless of the conditions stated in A and B, the result remains the same. It can be translated as 'no matter how...or', 'even if...or' in English.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: A うが B うが (A uga B uga)

Japanese Grammar Point: A うが B うが (A uga B uga)

Grammar Point: Aうが Bうが (A uga B uga)


1. Introduction

The grammar structure Aうが Bうが is used in Japanese to express "whether A or B, the result remains the same". It emphasizes that no matter which action or state occurs, it does not affect the outcome. This pattern is often used to highlight determination, indifference, or inevitability.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • English Equivalent: Whether A or B; Regardless of A or B; No matter if A or B
  • Usage: To indicate that the outcome is unaffected by the options A or B.

Structure

Formation

Verb Form Conjugation
Verb Volitional Form + が
Adjective (い-adj) Stem + かろうが
Adjective (な-adj) Stem + だろうが / であろうが
Noun Noun + だろうが / であろうが
Pattern:
[A (Volitional Form) + が] + [B (Volitional Form) + が], [Result]

Formation Diagram

  • For Verbs:
    食べる (to eat) → 食べようが
    行く (to go) → 行こうが
    
  • For い-adjectives:
    高い (expensive) → 高かろうが
    安い (cheap) → 安かろうが
    
  • For な-adjectives and Nouns:
    静か (quiet) → 静かだろうが / 静かであろうが
    学生 (student) → 学生だろうが / 学生であろうが
    

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Point Meaning Difference
AうとBうと Whether A or B Interchangeable with AうがBうが; same usage.
AにしろBにしろ Whether A or B More formal; used in both written and spoken Japanese.
AてもBても Even if A or B Highlights possibility rather than determination.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1

Sentence:

  • 日本語を勉強しようがしまいが、彼の自由です。
  • Nihongo o benkyō shiyō ga shimai ga, kare no jiyū desu. Translation:
  • Whether he studies Japanese or not, it's his choice.

Example 2

Sentence:

  • 雨が降ろうが雪が降ろうが、明日のイベントは開催します。
  • Ame ga furō ga yuki ga furō ga, ashita no ibento wa kaisai shimasu. Translation:
  • Whether it rains or snows, tomorrow's event will be held.

Example 3

Sentence:

  • 彼が来ようが来まいが、会議は予定通り行います。
  • Kare ga koyō ga kimai ga, kaigi wa yotei-dōri okonaimasu. Translation:
  • Whether he comes or not, the meeting will proceed as planned.

Example 4

Sentence:

  • 高かろうが安かろうが、必要な物は買わなければならない。
  • Takakarō ga yasukarō ga, hitsuyōna mono wa kawanakereba naranai. Translation:
  • Whether it's expensive or cheap, necessary items must be purchased.

Example 5

Sentence:

  • 学生だろうが社会人だろうが、責任は伴うものだ。
  • Gakusei darō ga shakaijin darō ga, sekinin wa tomonau mono da. Translation:
  • Whether you're a student or a working adult, responsibilities come along.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

  • The structure AうがBうが is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
  • Often found in written language, speeches, and formal statements expressing strong will or facts.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 雨が降ろうが槍が降ろうが (Ame ga furō ga yari ga furō ga)
    • Whether it rains or spears fall
    • Meaning: No matter what happens, emphasizing determination.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

  1. Incorrect Verb Form: Using the plain form instead of the volitional form.
    • Incorrect: 行くが行かないが
    • Correct: 行こうが行くまいが
  2. Misusing Adjectives: Forgetting to use the correct conjugation for adjectives.
    • Incorrect: 高いが安いが
    • Correct: 高かろうが安かろうが

Tips

  • Mnemonic for Verbs: Think of the volitional form as the "let's" form.
    • 行く (to go)行こう (let's go)行こうが
  • Adjective Conjugation:
    • For い-adjectives, replace い with かろうが.
      • 早い早かろうが

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • AうがBうが expresses that the outcome remains the same regardless of A or B.
  • Use the volitional form of verbs, and appropriate forms for adjectives and nouns.
  • It highlights determination, inevitability, or indifference.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you form the volitional form of the verb 食べる (to eat) for this grammar point?
    • Answer: 食べようが
  2. Translate the following sentence:
    • 彼女が参加しようがしまいが、計画は進めます。
    • Kanojo ga sanka shiyō ga shimai ga, keikaku wa susumemasu.
    • Answer: Whether she participates or not, we will proceed with the plan.
  3. What is a common mistake learners make with this grammar point?
    • Answer: Using the incorrect verb form, such as the plain form instead of the volitional form.

Feel free to review the examples and notes to reinforce your understanding of AうがBうが. Practice by creating your own sentences!

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