N151/186

であれ〜であれ

X であれ Y であれNoun/phrase + であれ + Noun/phrase + であれ

Meanings

  • Whether it is X or Y
  • Be it X or Y
  • In either case, regardless of which

About this pattern

Explanation

This construction is used to show that a statement or consequence applies regardless of two possible situations. It emphasizes that the outcome or rule remains true no matter which of the two (or more) options occurs. It is somewhat formal or literary in tone and is commonly found in written prose, discussions, or argumentative contexts. The two items linked by であれ〜であれ are often nouns or phrases that can be in the same grammatical form (e.g., both nouns, or both clauses) and are followed by a main clause that applies to both cases. Note that this pattern is not used for rapid, casual speech; more natural spoken equivalents might use でも or かどうか rather than the double であれ structure, depending on the formality and nuance desired.

Learn in context

Example sentences

雨であれ風であれ、試合は予定通り行われる。

Whether it rains or winds, the match will go ahead as scheduled.

成功であれ失敗であれ、経験として役に立つ。

Whether it is success or failure, it will be useful as experience.

賛成であれ反対であれ、意見を言うべきだ。

Whether you agree or disagree, you should speak up.

彼は勝つであれ負けるであれ、全力を尽くすだろう。

Whether he wins or loses, he will give it his full effort.