JLPT N1 Shinkanzen Grammar Lesson 10: ~ようと~まいと・~であれ~であれ・~たところで (Whether or not... / Even if...)

~ようと~まいと・~であれ~であれ・~たところで (Whether or not... / Even if...)

JLPT N1
Shinkanzen N1 • 5 key grammar patterns
Point 1N1_L10_G1

1. ~(よ)うと(も) / ~(よ)うが

Sentence Pattern
V (Volitional form - よう / う) + と(も) / が
Adjective A い -> かろう + と(も) / が
Adjective Na / Noun N -> だろう / であろう + と(も) / が
Meaning: Even if..., it still will not affect the result

Explanation: Indicates that no matter what condition occurs in the first clause, the event or result in the second clause is completely unaffected.
✓ The second clause often expresses strong will, a firm decision, or an unwavering judgment.
✓ Often used with hypothetical degree words such as たとえ, いかに, and どんなに.

Example Sentences (2)
周まわりの人ひとに反対はんたいされようと、私わたしは決心けっしんを変かえない。
Even if the people around me oppose me, I will not change my decision.
たとえ雪ゆきが降ふろうが、明日あしたは山登やまのぼりに行いくつもりだ。
Even if it snows, I intend to go mountain climbing tomorrow.
Point 2N1_L10_G2

2. ~(よ)うと~まいと / ~(よ)うが~まいが

Sentence Pattern
V (Volitional form - よう) + と / が + Vる + まい + と / が
* Group II/III verbs: V ます + まい hoặc Vる + まい
* Exception: する -> するまい / すまい
Meaning: Whether one does it or not, it makes no difference

Explanation: The same verb is repeated in affirmative and negative forms to mean that whether the action is done or not, the result remains unchanged.
✓ The second clause expresses firm determination or judgment.

Example Sentences (2)
あなたが信しんじようと信しんじまいと、それは紛まぎれもない事実じじつです。
Whether you believe it or not, it is an undeniable fact.
彼かれが来こようが来こまいが、試合しあいは定刻通ていこくどおりに始はじまる。
Whether he comes or not, the match will start on time.
Point 3N1_L10_G3

3. ~であれ / ~であろうと

Sentence Pattern
Noun N / Interrogative + であれ / であろうと
Meaning: No matter who/what it is...

Explanation: Presents a hypothetical person, thing, position, circumstance, or interrogative and means that regardless of that case, the result in the second clause is unaffected.
✓ The second clause often expresses judgment or determination and commonly appears with たとえ or どんな.

Example Sentences (2)
どんな理由りゆうであれ、法律ほうりつに違反いはんすることは許ゆるされない。
Whatever the reason, breaking the law cannot be permitted.
たとえ子供こどもであろうと、悪わるいことをしたら謝あやまるべきだ。
Even if it is a child, if they do something wrong, they should apologize.
Point 4N1_L10_G4

4. ~たところで

Sentence Pattern
Vた + ところで
Meaning: Even if..., it will not change much / will be of little use

Explanation: Means that even if one tries the action in the first clause, nothing will change and the effort will be useless.
✓ The second clause is a negative judgment such as uselessness or ineffectiveness; it does not express the speaker's intention or hope.
✓ Often used with いくら, どんなに, or いまさら.

Example Sentences (2)
今更後悔いまさらこうかいしたところで、もうやり直なおすことはできない。
Even if you regret it now, you can no longer start over.
どんなに急いそいで走はしったところで、最終電車さいしゅうでんしゃには間まに合あわないだろう。
No matter how fast you run, you probably won't make the last train.
Point 5N1_L10_G5

5. ~ば~で / ~なら~で / ~たら~たで

Sentence Pattern
Vば / Vたら + Vた + で
Adjective Aい -> ければ / かったら + Aい / Aかった + で
Adjective Na -> なら + Aな + で
Meaning: If that situation occurs, there are consequences/circumstances specific to it

Explanation: The same word is repeated to show that even if a certain state occurs, things will not necessarily turn out well and a different problem may arise.
✓ It often points out that something may seem desirable, but once it actually happens, it brings its own difficulties.

Example Sentences (2)
スマートフォンは便利べんりだが、壊こわれたら壊こわれたで、非常ひじょうに困こまる。
Smartphones are convenient, but when one breaks, it causes a great deal of trouble.
お金かねがないと苦労くろうするが、たくさんあればあったで、悩なやみも増ふえるものだ。
Having no money is hard, but having a lot of it brings its own worries too.