であれ〜であれ
Whether or, Or, No matter which, In either case
Structure
［な］Adjective (A) + であれ + ［な］Adjective (B) + であれ
Explanation
As a formal variation of the copula である, which is derived from the conjunctive form of the auxiliary verb だ and the う-Verb ある, both であれ and であろうと are used to convey a strong sense of resolve or certainty.
あれ is the imperative form of ある, whereas あろうと is constructed from its volitional form plus the case marking particle と. Both patterns are typically translated as 'no matter if (A), (B)' or 'even if (A), (B)'. However, their literal sense is closer to 'let it be (A), (B) will not be influenced', which highlights that (A) has no bearing on the outcome. This nuance is similar to the English expression 'so what if it is...'.
When repeated in a sentence, であれ contrasts two things, (A) and (B), to emphasize that neither one affects the final outcome, (C).
You will often see both であれ and であろうと attached to nouns. They frequently appear in sentences that introduce a hypothetical situation using words such as どんな or たとえ.
- 天才であれ凡人であれ、練習しなければ上手にはならない。Whether you're a genius or an ordinary person, you won't get good without practicing.
- 晴れであれ雨であれ、お祭りは中止になりません。Whether it's sunny or raining, the festival will not be canceled.
- 先生であろうと生徒であろうと、学校のルールは守るべきだ。Whether you're a teacher or a student, you should follow the school rules.
- 男性であろうと女性であろうと、この店では料金は同じです。Whether you're a man or a woman, the price is the same at this shop.
Caution
While ～であれ～であれ means 'regardless if it is (A) or (B)', the items being compared, (A) and (B), should belong to a similar group. This is because the outcome, (C), must apply logically to both of them. For instance, you could compare 'a cat' (A) and 'a dog' (B), with the outcome (C) being a rule that applies to all pets.
Examples
日本人であれ外国人であれ、このルールは全員に適用されます。
Whether one is Japanese or a foreigner, these rules apply to everyone.
甘いものであれ辛いものであれ、彼は何でもおいしそうに食べる。
Whether it's sweet or spicy, he eats everything as if it were delicious.
オフィスであれ自宅であれ、集中できる環境が大切だ。
Whether it's the office or home, it's important to have an environment where you can concentrate.
男性であれ女性であれ、お互いを尊重することが最も重要です。
Regardless of whether someone is male or female, respecting each other is what's most important.
歌であれ楽器であれ、音楽は人生を豊かにしてくれる。
Whether it's singing or playing an instrument, music enriches one's life.
成功であれ失敗であれ、全ての経験は学びにつながる。
Be it success or failure, every experience is a chance to learn.
パソコンであれスマホであれ、現代の生活に欠かせない道具だ。
Whether it's a computer or a smartphone, they are indispensable tools in modern life.
服装が派手であれ地味であれ、それは本人の自由だ。
Whether their clothing is flashy or plain, that's a person's own choice.
大企業であれ中小企業であれ、働く人にとっては大切な職場です。
Whether it is a large corporation or a small-to-medium-sized enterprise, it is an important workplace for the people who work there.
好きであれ嫌いであれ、宿題はやらなければならない。
Like it or not, you have to do your homework.
過去であれ未来であれ、私たちが生きているのは「今」だけだ。
Whether we're talking about the past or the future, the only time we are truly living in is the "present".
一人であれチームであれ、常に最高のパフォーマンスを目指すべきだ。
Whether alone or in a team, one should always aim for the best possible performance.