であれ
JLPT Level: N1
Meanings
Even if
No matter
Regardless of
Usage
Noun + であれ
どんなNoun + であれ
誰であれ
何であれ
Explanation
であれ is a formal, literary ending attached to nouns or nominal phrases to express strong inevitability: “no matter what/how,” or “even if it is X.” It is more solemn and emphatic than the everyday ても. It tends to appear in written prose, speeches, or opinionated statements, and it often conveys a rule-based or universal tone. Typical usage is after a noun or noun phrase to indicate that the following statement applies to all cases of that noun. Note that this form is more common in formal or rhetorical contexts and sounds unnatural in casual conversation.
どんな困難であれ、諦めるべきではない。
どんなこんなんであれ、あきらめるべきではない。
No matter how difficult it may be, one should not give up.
どんな人であれ、彼を歓迎します。
どんなひとであれ、かれをかんげいします。
Whoever the person may be, we welcome him.
彼が誰であれ、彼女であれ、参加は自由だ。
かれがだれであれ、かのじょであれ、さんかはじゆうだ。
Whether it is him or her, anyone can participate.