Meaning & Usage
The N1 grammar pattern 「にせよ〜にせよ」(ni seyo ~ ni seyo) is a powerful expression used to convey that a certain statement or outcome holds true regardless of which of two or more presented alternatives is chosen. It can be translated into English as “whether…or…”, “no matter whether…or…”, or “even if…or even if…”. This pattern is particularly useful when you want to emphasize the universality of a conclusion, making it clear that the preceding conditions do not alter the final result or observation.
「にせよ〜にせよ」 functions by explicitly presenting two distinct possibilities, actions, or states, and then asserting that the subsequent statement is true for both. It is more emphatic and formal than simply connecting two clauses with 「〜ても〜ても」 (even if… even if…). While 「〜ても〜ても」 focuses on concession, 「にせよ〜にせよ」 puts more emphasis on the fact that the conclusion is unwavering, irrespective of the presented choices. It suggests a thorough consideration of various scenarios, leading to an undeniable conclusion.
This grammar point often appears in formal contexts, including written reports, academic discussions, debates, and speeches. While it can be used in spoken Japanese, it lends a more refined and decisive tone than casual alternatives. It can sometimes carry a nuance of resignation or a strong conviction, implying that despite the different possibilities, the outcome is predetermined or unavoidable. Think of 「にせよ〜にせよ」 as a way to draw a definitive conclusion that stands firm against any hypothetical situation, asserting that the truth remains constant across the presented range of options.
A clear mental model for understanding 「にせよ〜にせよ」 is to imagine two paths leading from a starting point. Regardless of which path you take, you will always arrive at the same destination. The phrase highlights that the destination (the main clause) is fixed, even when the journey (the preceding alternatives) might vary. This makes it a crucial expression for conveying certainty and invariance in complex situations.
Structure & Formation
The basic structure for 「にせよ〜にせよ」 is to attach 「にせよ」 to the plain form of verbs, い-adjectives, and to nouns or な-adjectives (often with 「である」 or 「な」).
| Word Type | Formation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | Plain Form + にせよ | 行くにせよ (iku ni seyo)
食べないにせよ (tabenai ni seyo) 来たにせよ (kita ni seyo) |
| い-adjective | い-Adjective Plain Form + にせよ | 高いにせよ (takai ni seyo)
安くないにせよ (yasukunai ni seyo) |
| な-adjective | な-Adjective + (である)にせよ
な-Adjective (stem) + なにせよ | 静かであるにせよ (shizuka de aru ni seyo)
便利なにせよ (benri na ni seyo) |
| Noun | Noun + (である)にせよ | 学生にせよ (gakusei ni seyo)
先生であるにせよ (sensei de aru ni seyo) |
It’s important to note that the forms preceding 「にせよ」 must be in their plain form (辞書形, ない形, た形, い形). For な-adjectives and nouns, the more formal 「である」 is often used before 「にせよ」 in written contexts, while the simpler 「な」 form is also seen, especially in slightly less formal or spoken contexts. The two clauses separated by 「〜にせよ、〜にせよ、」 present the alternatives, and the main clause that follows states the consistent outcome.
Example Sentences
Decisions and Choices
行くにせよ、行かないにせよ、早めに連絡してください。
Iku ni seyo, ikanai ni seyo, hayame ni renraku shite kudasai.
Whether you go or not, please contact me early.
引っ越すにせよ、引っ越さないにせよ、この部屋の契約は来月で切れる。
Hikkosu ni seyo, hikkosanai ni seyo, kono heya no keiyaku wa raigetsu de kireru.
Whether you move out or not, the contract for this room expires next month.
Opinions and Judgments
彼の意見が正しいにせよ、間違っているにせよ、一度は耳を傾けるべきだ。
Kare no iken ga tadashii ni seyo, machigatte iru ni seyo, ichido wa mimi o katamukeru beki da.
Whether his opinion is correct or wrong, we should listen to it once.
会社を辞めるにせよ、続けるにせよ、十分な検討が必要だ。
Kaisha o yameru ni seyo, tsudzukeru ni seyo, jūbun na kentō ga hitsuyō da.
Whether you quit the company or continue, thorough consideration is necessary.
Conditions and Situations
晴れにせよ、雨にせよ、明日のピクニックは決行します。
Hare ni seyo, ame ni seyo, ashita no pikunikku wa kekkō shimasu.
Whether it's sunny or rainy, tomorrow's picnic will go ahead as planned.
結果がどうなるにせよ、努力したことに悔いはない。
Kekka ga dō naru ni seyo, doryoku shita koto ni kui wa nai.
Whatever the result may be, I have no regrets about having made the effort.
Time and Location
今日にせよ、明日にせよ、私はいつでも構いません。
Kyō ni seyo, ashita ni seyo, watashi wa itsudemo kamaimasen.
Whether it's today or tomorrow, I don't mind anytime.
東京にせよ、大阪にせよ、日本の大都市は物価が高い。
Tōkyō ni seyo, Ōsaka ni seyo, Nihon no daitoshi wa bukka ga takai.
Whether it's Tokyo or Osaka, big cities in Japan have high prices.
Quantities and Types
大勢の人にせよ、少人数にせよ、このイベントは成功するだろう。
Ōzei no hito ni seyo, shōninzū ni seyo, kono ibento wa seikō surō.
Whether it's a large group of people or a small number, this event will likely succeed.
肉にせよ、魚にせよ、新鮮なものを選ぶべきだ。
Niku ni seyo, sakana ni seyo, shinsen na mono o erabu beki da.
Whether it's meat or fish, you should choose fresh ones.
Concessions and Inevitabilities
好きにせよ、嫌いにせよ、この仕事は避けては通れない。
Suki ni seyo, kirai ni seyo, kono shigoto wa sakete wa tōrenai.
Whether you like it or dislike it, this work is unavoidable.
彼が謝罪するにせよ、しないにせよ、私の気持ちは変わらない。
Kare ga shazai suru ni seyo, shinai ni seyo, watashi no kimochi wa kawaranai.
Whether he apologizes or not, my feelings won't change.
Complex Scenarios
経済的な困難に直面するにせよ、精神的な苦痛を感じるにせよ、人間は強く生きていかなければならない。
Keizaiteki na konnan ni chokumen suru ni seyo, seishinteki na kutsū o kanjiru ni seyo, ningen wa tsuyoku ikite ikanakereba naranai.
Whether facing economic hardship or feeling mental anguish, humans must live strongly.
彼の行動が善意に基づくにせよ、悪意に基づくにせよ、結果として多大な損害を与えたことは事実だ。
Kare no kōdō ga zen'i ni modzuku ni seyo, akui ni modzuku ni seyo, kekka to shite tadai na songai o ataeta koto wa jijitsu da.
Whether his actions were based on good intentions or malice, it is a fact that they caused significant damage.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Confusing with 〜ても〜ても (〜temo 〜temo)
While both patterns express a concession or an acknowledgment of alternatives, 「にせよ〜にせよ」 carries a stronger, more formal tone, emphasizing that the conclusion is unwavering regardless of the choice. 「〜ても〜ても」 can often be used for lighter, more casual concessions.
❌ 雨が降っても、晴れても、ピクニックは決行します。
✅ 雨にせよ、晴れにせよ、ピクニックは決行します。
The incorrect example uses 「〜ても〜ても」 which, while grammatically correct in isolation, loses the emphatic and comprehensive consideration implied by 「にせよ〜にせよ」 in this context of a definitive plan.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Conjugation of な-Adjectives and Nouns
A common error is to directly attach 「にせよ」 to a な-adjective stem or noun without the proper connecting particle or auxiliary verb, especially in formal writing.
❌ 簡単にせよ、複雑にせよ、問題は解決するべきだ。
✅ 簡単であるにせよ、複雑であるにせよ、問題は解決するべきだ。
For な-adjectives and nouns in formal contexts, using 「であるにせよ」 is generally preferred over a direct attachment or 「なにせよ」, which is typically more colloquial. While 「簡単なにせよ」 is sometimes heard, 「簡単であるにせよ」 maintains the N1 level formality.
Mistake 3: Using for Trivial or Unrelated Alternatives
「にせよ〜にせよ」 is meant for significant alternatives where the unwavering nature of the conclusion needs emphasis. Using it for minor or disconnected options can sound unnatural.
❌ 鉛筆にせよ、消しゴムにせよ、勉強は大事だ。
✅ 試験が簡単であるにせよ、難しいにせよ、努力することは重要だ。
The incorrect example connects two unrelated nouns (pencil and eraser) to a general statement about studying, making the sentence illogical. The correct example connects two relevant alternatives (easy or difficult exam) to a consistent outcome (effort is important).
Mistake 4: Omitting the Second 「にせよ」 when presenting clear alternatives
While contextual shortening can occur, for the clear, emphatic presentation of "whether A or B," both 「にせよ」 phrases are typically used to maintain the pattern's strength and clarity.
❌ 彼が来るにせよ、会議は始まる。
✅ 彼が来るにせよ、来ないにせよ、会議は始まる。
The incorrect sentence only presents one possibility, making the structure incomplete and losing the "whether... or..." meaning. The correct version clearly states both alternatives.
Cultural Notes
In Japanese communication, especially in formal settings, the use of 「にせよ〜にせよ」 signifies a speaker's thoughtful and comprehensive consideration of various factors before arriving at a conclusion. It’s not just about presenting alternatives; it's about demonstrating that despite these possibilities, the core truth or consequence remains untouched. This can convey a sense of gravitas and conviction, making the speaker's statement more authoritative and well-reasoned.
You will frequently encounter this pattern in academic papers, business negotiations, political discourse, and legal documents. It helps to frame an argument or decision as robust, standing firm against different potential conditions or viewpoints. For instance, a politician might use it to reassure the public that a policy's benefits will hold, regardless of economic fluctuations. A lawyer might use it to emphasize that the defendant's actions constitute a crime, irrespective of their motives.
While less common in casual conversation, when it does appear, it can sometimes carry a nuance of exasperation or a slightly fatalistic acceptance of an unavoidable situation. For example, a parent might say to their children, 「遊びにせよ、勉強にせよ、何かをするときは全力でやりなさい」(Whether it's playing or studying, when you do something, do it with all your might), emphasizing the principle of giving one's best effort in any endeavor.
JLPT Tips
For the JLPT N1, mastering 「にせよ〜にせよ」 involves not only understanding its core meaning of "whether...or..." but also grasping its nuances and formal implications. Pay close attention to the conjugation of the words preceding 「にせよ」; they should always be in their plain forms. For nouns and な-adjectives, remember that 「であるにせよ」 is the more formal and common usage in N1 contexts.
When encountering this grammar point in reading comprehension, focus on identifying the two alternatives presented and the constant conclusion that follows. The main idea conveyed is that the consequence is unavoidable or universally true, irrespective of the presented choices. This helps in understanding the author's strong stance or definitive statement.
It's also crucial to distinguish 「にせよ〜にせよ」 from similar-sounding grammar points like 「にしろ〜にしろ」, 「にしても〜にしても」, and 「であれ〜であれ」. While they share a common thread, 「にせよ〜にせよ」 often implies a slightly more objective and considered assessment leading to an unshakeable conclusion, whereas 「にしても」 might carry a stronger sense of concession. 「であれ」 is typically much more formal and often used to classify categories universally. Recognizing these subtle differences will be key to answering higher-level grammar questions accurately.
Practicing with diverse example sentences will solidify your understanding and help you comfortably use this N1 grammar pattern in both your active and passive Japanese.