ともあろう
Of all people, Such,
Structure
(1) 方、人
Explanation
ともあろう is a Japanese grammar pattern used to express surprise or disappointment that someone of a particular status, position, or skill level would do something that contradicts expectations. It is often translated as ‘for a (person/thing) such as…’, or ‘a (person/thing) of all people…’. Sentences using ともあろう typically convey a sense of criticism or disbelief at the subject's failure to meet the standards associated with their role.
This structure is formed by the case-marking particle と, the adverbial particle も, and あろう, the volitional form of the う-Verb ある (‘to be’). This combination literally implies ‘even being (A)’, setting up the following clause (B) as something that is unbecoming or unexpected of (A). ともあろう always follows a noun and can be paired with the conjunction particle が (‘but’), or with words like もの or 人 (ひと) followed by が to intensify the feeling.
- 医者ともあろう人が、自分の健康に気をつけないなんて信じられない。It's unbelievable that a doctor, of all people, wouldn't take care of their own health.
- 学校の先生ともあろうお方が、生徒をいじめるなんて、とんでもないことだ。For a school teacher of all people to bully a student is simply outrageous.
- 国営放送ともあろうものが、こんなデマを流すなんて信じられない。I can't believe that the national broadcaster, of all organizations, would spread a rumor like this.
The word もの is often used to add emphasis, but other nouns like 方 (‘individual’) or 人 (‘person’) can serve a similar purpose.
Caution
In certain situations, this grammar point can be used sarcastically when speaking to someone of an equal or lower status. Only the context of the conversation will reveal whether the speaker is being genuinely critical or sarcastic.
- 田中さんともあろう人が、パソコンの使い方も知らないなんて、驚きですね。For a person like you, Tanaka-san, to not even know how to use a computer is quite a surprise. (Sarcastic)
Examples
学校の先生ともあろうものが、生徒からお金を盗むなんて許せない。
It's unforgivable for a teacher, of all people, to steal money from a student.
警察官ともあろうものが、賄賂を受け取っていたとは驚きだ。
I'm shocked that a police officer, of all people, was accepting bribes.
あの有名なシェフともあろうものが、料理に髪の毛を入れるなんてプロ失格だ。
For that famous chef of all people to get a hair in the food, he's a disgrace to the profession.
母親が息子に：「長男ともあろうものが、弟の手本にもならないようなことをしてはいけません。」
Mother to her son: 'As the eldest son, you of all people shouldn't be doing things that aren't a good example for your younger brother.'
ニュース番組：「社長ともあろう者がなぜあのような不正に手を染めてしまったのでしょうか。」
News program: 'Why would a company president of all people get involved in such corruption?'