であれ〜であれ
🃏 Flashcard
であれ〜であれ
de are~de are
Tap to reveal usage
whether [A] or [B]
N1
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N1
Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms
Reading
de are~de are
Post ID
51208
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
whether [A] or [B]
📖 How to use it
Expresses that regardless of which of two alternatives is the case, the outcome is the same.
Attaches to
Attach to nouns or na-adjective stems: [noun/na-stem] + であれ + [noun/na-stem] + であれ.
This pattern lists two contrasting items and means "whether it's A or B (it doesn't matter which)." It emphasizes that the result doesn't change no matter which one applies. It is formal and mostly appears in written language or formal speeches, not in everyday conversation.
The two items are usually opposites or alternatives, like 成功 (success) and 失敗 (failure), or 雨 (rain) and 晴れ (sunny). The pattern can be used with nouns as in the examples, or with na-adjective stems. It is not used with verbs or i-adjectives.
In casual speech, you'd instead use something like 〜ても〜ても or 〜にしろ〜にしろ, but であれ〜であれ sounds stiff and literary.
成功であれ失敗であれ、挑戦したことに意味がある。
Seikou de are shippai de are, chousen shita koto ni imi ga aru.
Whether you succeed or fail, the meaning lies in having tried.
雨であれ晴れであれ、試合は予定通り行います。
Ame de are hare de are, shiai wa yotei doori okonaimasu.
Whether it rains or shines, the match will proceed as scheduled.
賛成であれ反対であれ、自分の意見をはっきり言うべきだ。
Sansei de are hantai de are, jibun no iken o hakkiri iu beki da.
Whether you agree or disagree, you should state your opinion clearly.
Not 〜にしろ〜にしろ
〜にしろ〜にしろ is also formal but can follow verbs and adjectives as well. であれ〜であれ is limited to nouns and na-adjective stems, and sounds more literary.
Register
Formal and literary; used in writing, speeches, or formal announcements, rarely in casual conversation.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
であれ〜であれ
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat であれ〜であれ three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using であれ〜であれ. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N1 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern であれ〜であれ mean?
▼
Whether [A] or [B]
What JLPT level is であれ〜であれ?
▼
Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N1 — Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use であれ〜であれ in a sentence?
▼
Attach であれ〜であれ (de are~de are) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is であれ〜であれ formal or casual Japanese?
▼
であれ〜であれ is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember であれ〜であれ long-term?
▼
Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.