Processing keyword: A かれ B かれ (A kare B kare)

Japanese Grammar Point: A かれ B かれ (A kare B kare)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the grammar point AかれBかれ (A kare B kare). This expression is used to convey the meaning of "whether A or B" or "regardless of A or B". It emphasizes that no matter which of the two contrasting options applies, the outcome remains the same.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

AかれBかれ is used to present two opposing adjectives or states, indicating that regardless of which one is true, the result does not change. It is often translated as:

• "Whether A or B"
• "No matter if it's A or B"
• "Regardless of A or B"

Structure

The structure of this expression involves attaching かれ to the stem of two contrasting adjectives:

[Adjective A Stem] + かれ + [Adjective B Stem] + かれ

Formation Diagram

Component	Formation	Example
Adjective A Stem	Remove い from い-adjective	多い → 多
Adjective B Stem	Remove い from contrasting adjective	少ない → 少な
Add かれ	Attach かれ to each adjective stem	多かれ, 少なかれ
Full Expression	Combine both adjectives	多かれ少なかれ

Example of Formation

Let's form the expression 多かれ少なかれ ("more or less"):

1. Start with the adjectives 多い (おおい, many) and 少ない (すくない, few).
2. Remove the い to get the stems: 多, 少な.
3. Attach かれ to each stem: 多かれ, 少なかれ.
4. Combine them: 多かれ少なかれ.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Point	Meaning	Usage
AかれBかれ	Whether A or B	Formal, literary expressions
AであれBであれ	Whether A or B	Common in both spoken and written language
AにせよBにせよ	Whether A or B	Slightly more informal

• AであれBであれ and AにせよBにせよ are more commonly used in modern Japanese to express the same concept. They can be used with nouns, verbs, or adjectives, whereas AかれBかれ is typically used with adjectives.

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4. Examples in Context

Example 1: 多かれ少なかれ (More or less)

多かれ少なかれ、誰でも悩みを抱えている。 おおかれすくなかれ、だれでもなやみをかかえている。 "More or less, everyone has their worries."

Example 2: 良かれ悪しかれ (For better or worse)

良かれ悪しかれ、その結果を受け入れるしかない。 よかれあしかれ、そのけっかをうけいれるしかない。 "For better or worse, we have no choice but to accept the outcome."

Example 3: 遅かれ早かれ (Sooner or later)

遅かれ早かれ、真実が明らかになるだろう。 おそかれはやかれ、しんじつがあきらかになるだろう。 "Sooner or later, the truth will come to light."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Formality: The expression AかれBかれ is considered formal and is often found in written language, literature, speeches, and proverbs.
• Archaic Touch: It adds an archaic or classical nuance to the sentence, giving it a more serious or poetic tone.
• Usage: Commonly used in idiomatic expressions rather than in everyday conversation.

Idiomatic Expressions

Here are some common idiomatic expressions using AかれBかれ:

Expression	Reading	Meaning
多かれ少なかれ	おおかれすくなかれ	More or less
良かれ悪しかれ	よかれあしかれ	For better or worse
遅かれ早かれ	おそかれはやかれ	Sooner or later

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Adjective Form: Using the plain form of the adjective instead of the stem form.
  • ❌ 多いかれ少ないかれ
  • ✅ 多かれ少なかれ
• Misplacing かれ: Forgetting to attach かれ to both adjectives.
  • ❌ 多かれ少な
  • ✅ 多かれ少なかれ

Learning Strategies

• Memorize Set Phrases: Start by memorizing common expressions like 多かれ少なかれ and 遅かれ早かれ.
• Understand Opposites: Recognize that the adjectives used are often opposites, which can help in remembering the structure.
• Practice in Context: Use the expressions in sentences to become familiar with their meanings and nuances.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• AかれBかれ is a formal expression meaning "whether A or B".
• Formed by attaching かれ to the stem of two contrasting adjectives.
• Commonly used in idiomatic expressions found in literature and formal contexts.
• Adds a classical or poetic tone to the language.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the meaning of 遅かれ早かれ?
2. How do you form the expression AかれBかれ?
3. True or False: AかれBかれ can be used with verbs and nouns.

Answers

1. "Sooner or later"
2. Attach かれ to the stems of two contrasting adjectives: [Adjective A Stem] + かれ + [Adjective B Stem] + かれ
3. False. It is primarily used with adjectives.

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By understanding and practicing AかれBかれ, you'll enhance your comprehension of formal Japanese expressions and add depth to your language skills.

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