JLPT N1 Shinkanzen Grammar Lesson 12: ~ばこそ・~とあって・~ではあるまいし (Precisely because... / Because... / It is not as if...)

~ばこそ・~とあって・~ではあるまいし (Precisely because... / Because... / It is not as if...)

JLPT N1
Shinkanzen N1 • 5 key grammar patterns
Point 1N1_L12_G1

1. ~ばこそ

Sentence Pattern
Conditional form (V-ば / A-ければ / Na-であれば / N-であれば) + こそ
Meaning: Precisely because... / It is because... that...

Explanation: Strongly emphasizes a cause or reason, meaning “precisely because... / it is because... that...”. The speaker treats the first clause as an important or decisive reason for the second.
✓ The latter clause often appears with 「のだ / のです」 or another assertive/explanatory form.
✓ It is commonly used for positively evaluated reasons or to justify/emphasize a reason. It should not be treated as an absolute rule that it can never occur with any negative result.

Example Sentences (2)
あなたを信頼しんらいしていればこそ、この重要じゅうような仕事しごとを任まかせるのです。
It is precisely because I trust you that I am entrusting this important job to you.
子供こどもを愛あいしていればこそ、親おやは厳きびしく叱しかるのだ。
It is precisely because parents love their children that they scold them strictly.
Point 2N1_L12_G2

2. ~とあって

Sentence Pattern
Noun N / Plain form + とあって
Meaning: Because of this special situation..., naturally...

Explanation: Used when presenting a special or unusual situation, event, or circumstance, meaning “because it is / because there is...”.
✓ The latter clause normally gives a result, reaction, or state that is natural or understandable in light of that special circumstance.
✓ It often describes a situation objectively or the reactions of others, so it is less natural for merely stating the speaker’s own volitional action; this is a tendency rather than an absolute prohibition.

Example Sentences (2)
有名店ゆうめいてんのオープン初日しょにちとあって、朝早あさはやくから長蛇ちょうだの列れつができている。
As it was the opening day of a famous shop, a long line had formed from early in the morning.
その歌手かしゅの最後さいごのライブとあって、チケットは瞬またたく間まに完売かんばいした。
As it was that singer's final live performance, the tickets sold out in an instant.
Point 3N1_L12_G3

3. ~ではあるまいし / ~じゃあるまいし

Sentence Pattern
Noun N / Na-adjective + ではあるまいし / じゃあるまいし
V / i-adjective (plain form) + のではあるまいし / んじゃあるまいし
Meaning: It is not as if... / You are not..., so...

Explanation: The first clause denies a certain status or condition, such as 'you're not a child' or 'it's not as if you're a god.' The latter clause gives advice, states a position, reproaches, or objects to the other person's attitude.
✓ In everyday conversation, ~じゃあるまいし is especially common.

Example Sentences (2)
子供こどもではあるまいし、自分じぶんの将来しょうらいくらい自分じぶんで決きめなさい。
You're not a child anymore, so decide your own future for yourself.
新入社員しんにゅうしゃいんじゃあるまいし、こんな単純たんじゅんなミスをするなんて情なさけない。
You're not a new employee anymore; making such a simple mistake is pathetic.
Point 4N1_L12_G4

4. ~手前(てまえ)

Sentence Pattern
Noun N + の + 手前てまえ
V (Dictionary form / た / ている) + 手前てまえ
Meaning: Because of appearances / Having said or done..., one has no choice but...

Explanation: Because one is in front of a person/group, or because one has already said, promised, or done something, the speaker must consider their reputation, position, or responsibility and feels unable to act contrary to what is expected.
✓ The latter clause often expresses constraint—“cannot do / cannot avoid doing”—and frequently uses ~わけにはいかない.

Example Sentences (2)
皆みなの前まえで「絶対成功ぜったいせいこうさせる」と宣言せんげんした手前、途中とちゅうで投なげ出だすわけにはいかない。
Having declared in front of everyone that I would definitely make it a success, I cannot give up halfway.
子供こどもたちの手前、親おやとして弱音よわねを吐はくわけにはいかない。
In front of the children, as a parent I cannot show weakness or complain.
Point 5N1_L12_G5

5. ~ゆえ(に) / ~ゆえの

Sentence Pattern
Plain form + ゆえ(に) / ゆえの
* Na-adjective だ -> な / である
* Noun N だ -> の / である
Meaning: Because... / Due to...

Explanation: Means “because / due to...”, close to 「から / ため(に)」 but with a classical, formal, literary tone.
✓ It appears in literature, speeches, formal writing, and elevated styles; it is not limited only to official documents or correspondence.
✓ ~ゆえの + N is used when the reason directly modifies the following noun.

Example Sentences (2)
彼かれは優やさしすぎるゆえに、時ときとして損そんをすることがある。
Because he is too kind, he sometimes ends up at a disadvantage.
経験不足けいけんぶそくゆえ、皆様みなさまには多大ただいなご迷惑めいわくをおかけしてしまいました。
Due to my lack of experience, I have caused everyone a great deal of inconvenience.