Processing keyword: A であれ B であれ (A deare B deare)

Japanese Grammar Point: A であれ B であれ (A deare B deare)

JLPT Grammar Point: AであれBであれ (A deare B deare)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar point AであれBであれ (A deare B deare), a structure used to express "whether A or B" or "regardless of whether it's A or B". This construction is helpful when emphasizing that the outcome remains the same in different scenarios. It's a formal expression often found in written language and speeches.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• English Translation: "Whether it's A or B"; "Regardless of whether it's A or B"
• Function: Indicates that the subsequent statement applies equally in both cases A and B.

Structure

Formation Diagram:

[A であれ B であれ、C]

• A and B: Nouns or な-adjectives.
• であれ: Conditional form meaning "even if" or "whether".
• C: Resulting statement that applies to both A and B. Components:
• であれ is derived from である (to be) in the conditional form, adding the nuance of "even if" or "whether".

Detailed Explanation

• Use AであれBであれ to present two contrasting or comparable conditions.
• The phrase emphasizes that no matter which condition (A or B) applies, the outcome or opinion remains the same.
• It is typically used in formal contexts such as essays, speeches, or formal discussions.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. AにしろBにしろ
   • Meaning: "Whether it's A or B"
   • Usage: Similar function but slightly less formal.
   • Example: 学生にしろ社会人にしろ、時間を大切にするべきだ。
2. AでもBでも
   • Meaning: "Whether A or B"
   • Usage: More casual and used in everyday conversation.
   • Example: 雨でも晴れでも、試合は行われる。

Nuances

• であれ is more formal and emphatic than にしろ or でも.
• Choosing between them depends on the level of formality and the context.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal / Written お金持ちであれ貧乏であれ、人は皆平等である。 Okanemochi deare binbō deare, hito wa mina byōdō de aru. "Whether rich or poor, all people are equal."
2. Formal Speech 晴天であれ雨天であれ、明日のイベントは予定どおり開催します。 Seiten deare uten deare, ashita no ibento wa yotei dōri kaisai shimasu. "Whether it's sunny or rainy, tomorrow's event will proceed as scheduled."
3. Written 学生であれ社会人であれ、学び続けることが重要だ。 Gakusei deare shakaijin deare, manabi tsudzukeru koto ga jūyō da. "Whether you're a student or a working adult, it's important to keep learning."
4. Formal 男性であれ女性であれ、この仕事に応募できます。 Dansei deare josei deare, kono shigoto ni ōbo dekimasu. "Whether male or female, you can apply for this job."
5. Literature 事実であれ噂であれ、確認が必要だ。 Jijitsu deare uwasa deare, kakunin ga hitsuyō da. "Whether it's fact or rumor, verification is necessary."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Formality: であれ is a formal expression, commonly used in writing, speeches, and formal announcements.
• Politeness: Using であれ can show respect and formality, which is important in Japanese culture, especially in professional or public settings.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 老若であれ男女であれ (Rōnyaku deare danjo deare) "Whether young or old, male or female..."
• 善人であれ悪人であれ (Zennin deare akunin deare) "Whether good person or bad person..." These expressions are used to emphasize inclusiveness or universality.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Use with Verbs or い-adjectives
   • Incorrect: 速いであれ遅いであれ、出発します。 This is incorrect because 速い is an い-adjective.
   • Correct: 速さであれ遅さであれ、出発します。 By converting the adjectives to nouns (速さ - speed), the structure is correct.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that であれ attaches to nouns and な-adjectives. Think of であれ as a formal "whether it is".
• Practice Conversion: When using adjectives, convert い-adjectives to their noun forms.
  • Example: 高い (expensive) → 高さ (height)

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• AであれBであれ expresses that the following statement is true in both cases.
• It's a formal expression used with nouns and な-adjectives.
• Commonly used in written Japanese and formal speeches.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form of the adjective: 成功であれ______であれ、結果を受け入れます。
   • A) 失敗
   • B) 失敗な
   • C) 失敗で
2. True or False: You can use い-adjectives directly before であれ without any changes.
3. Choose the more appropriate expression for formal writing:
   • A) 雨でも晴れでも
   • B) 雨であれ晴れであれ

Answers:

1. A) 失敗 成功であれ失敗であれ、結果を受け入れます。 Seikō deare shippai deare, kekka o ukeiremasu. "Whether it's success or failure, I will accept the outcome."
2. False You need to convert い-adjectives to nouns or use their noun forms.
3. B) 雨であれ晴れであれ

Practice Exercise

Try creating your own sentence using AであれBであれ:

• Template: AであれBであれ、[result].
• Example: 犬であれ猫であれ、ペットは家族の一員だ。 Inu deare neko deare, petto wa kazoku no ichiin da. "Whether it's a dog or a cat, pets are part of the family."

Keep practicing to become comfortable with this structure, and you'll be able to add sophisticated expressions to your Japanese!