Processing keyword: A うと B うと (A uto B uto)

Japanese Grammar Point: A うと B うと (A uto B uto)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point AうとBうと (AうとBうと). This structure is used to express the idea of "whether A or B," indicating that the outcome remains the same regardless of the conditions A or B. It's a useful pattern for emphasizing that something is unaffected by different circumstances.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

AうとBうと conveys the meaning of "whether A or B" or "no matter if A or B." It emphasizes that the result or action does not change, regardless of the different possibilities presented by A and B.

Structure

The structure involves placing the volitional form of verbs or the hypothetical/formal probables of adjectives and nouns, followed by と, and repeating this pattern with two different options (A and B).

Formation Diagram

For Verbs:

[Verb Volitional Form] + と + [Verb Volitional Form] + と

For い-Adjectives:

[Adjective – い + かろう] + と + [Adjective – い + かろう] + と

For な-Adjectives and Nouns:

[Adjective/Noun] + だろう + と + [Adjective/Noun] + だろう + と

Visual Aid: Formation Table

How to Form the Volitional Form

Verbs

• Group 1 Verbs (五段動詞): Change the final -u sound to -ō.
  • 書く → 書こう (kaku → kakō)
  • 話す → 話そう (hanasu → hanasō)
• Group 2 Verbs (一段動詞): Add -yō to the verb stem.
  • 食べる → 食べよう (taberu → tabeyō)
  • 見る → 見よう (miru → miyō)
• Irregular Verbs:
  • する → しよう (suru → shiyō)
  • 来る → 来よう (kuru → koyō)

Adjectives

• い-Adjectives: Replace い with かろう.
  • 暑い → 暑かろう (atsui → atsukarō)
  • 難しい → 難しかろう (muzukashii → muzukashikarō)
• な-Adjectives and Nouns: Add だろう.
  • 元気 → 元気だろう (genki → genki darō)
  • 休日 → 休日だろう (kyūjitsu → kyūjitsu darō)

3. Comparative Analysis

AうとBうと is similar to the structure AてもBても, which also means "whether A or B" or "even if A or B." However, AうとBうと is more formal and emphatic, often used in written language or formal speech.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Verb

雨が降ろうと雪が降ろうと、明日のイベントは開催します。

• Romaji: Ame ga furō to yuki ga furō to, ashita no ibento wa kaisai shimasu.
• Translation: Whether it rains or snows, tomorrow's event will be held.

Example 2: い-Adjective

値段が高かろうと安かろうと、品質が重要です。

• Romaji: Nedan ga takakarō to yasukarō to, hinshitsu ga jūyō desu.
• Translation: Whether the price is high or low, quality is important.

Example 3: な-Adjective

部屋が静かだろうと賑やかだろうと、私は集中できます。

• Romaji: Heya ga shizuka darō to nigiyaka darō to, watashi wa shūchū dekimasu.
• Translation: Whether the room is quiet or lively, I can concentrate.

Example 4: Noun

子供だろうと大人だろうと、このゲームは楽しめます。

• Romaji: Kodomo darō to otona darō to, kono gēmu wa tanoshimemasu.
• Translation: Whether you're a child or an adult, you can enjoy this game.

Example 5: Formal Speech

成功しようと失敗しようと、挑戦することに意味があります。

• Romaji: Seikō shiyō to shippai shiyō to, chōsen suru koto ni imi ga arimasu.
• Translation: Whether you succeed or fail, there is meaning in making the challenge.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Emphasis and Determination: This structure is often used to express strong determination or resolve, highlighting the speaker's steadfastness regardless of circumstances.
• Formal Contexts: Due to its formal tone, it's commonly found in speeches, literature, and formal announcements.

Levels of Politeness

• Formal Register: Using AうとBうと adds a level of formality and seriousness to the statement, which is suitable for formal writing or speeches.
• Respectful Tone: It can convey respect towards the listener or the subject matter by acknowledging all possible conditions.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 雨が降ろうと槍が降ろうと
  • Translation: Whether it's raining or spears are falling.
  • Meaning: No matter how extreme the conditions, emphasizing unyielding determination.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistake 1: Using the Plain Form Instead of the Volitional Form

• Incorrect: 行くと来ると、連絡してください。
  • Romaji: Iku to kuru to, renraku shite kudasai.
• Correct: 行こうと来ようと、連絡してください。
  • Romaji: Ikō to koyō to, renraku shite kudasai.
• Explanation: Use the volitional form (行こう, 来よう) before と.

Common Mistake 2: Confusing with Conditional Form

• Incorrect: 行けば行くほど、面白い。
  • Romaji: Ikeba iku hodo, omoshiroi.
• Correction Needed: This sentence uses a different grammar point (〜ば〜ほど), not AうとBうと.

Tips

• Memorize Volitional Forms: Practice forming the volitional form of verbs and adjectives to use this structure correctly.
• Context Matters: Use AうとBうと in formal contexts or when you want to make a strong, emphatic statement.
• Don't Overuse in Casual Conversation: In everyday speech, consider using AてもBても for a more natural and conversational tone.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• AうとBうと is used to express "whether A or B," indicating that the outcome doesn't change.
• It uses the volitional form of verbs and the hypothetical form of adjectives and nouns.
• This structure is more formal and adds emphasis compared to similar expressions.
• Be careful to use the correct forms to avoid common mistakes.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Form the volitional form of the verb "読む" (yomu).
   • Answer: 読もう (yomō)
2. Translate to Japanese using AうとBうと: "Whether it's hot or cold, I'll go jogging."
   • Answer: 暑かろうと寒かろうと、ジョギングに行きます。
3. Is AうとBうと more formal or less formal than AてもBても?
   • Answer: More formal.
4. Fill in the blank with the correct form: 難しかろうと簡単だろうと、_______。
   • Possible Answer: 挑戦します。 (I will challenge it.)

By understanding and practicing AうとBうと, you'll be able to express unwavering actions or states regardless of varying conditions, adding depth and sophistication to your Japanese communication.