も～ば～も
…And…, Both ... and ..., ... And ... as well
Structure
Noun (A)も + ［い］Adjective［ば］+ Noun (B)も
Noun (A)も + ［な］Adjective + なら + Noun (B)も
Noun (A)も + Noun + なら + Noun (B)も
Explanation
も～ば～も is a Japanese grammar pattern used to present two related characteristics or states, (A) and (B), that both apply to a subject. The first も is attached to a noun, while ば follows the conditional form of a verb or い-Adjective. In the case of nouns and な-Adjectives, なら or ならば is used instead.
This structure implies a strong connection between the two elements, suggesting that one quality is often accompanied by the other. It is often translated as 'not only (A), but also (B)', or 'is both (A) and (B)'.
- 彼女は料理も出来れば、お菓子作りも上手だ。She can not only cook, but she's also a skilled baker.
- あのレストランは値段も高ければ、味もあまりよくないから、もう行きたくない。That restaurant is expensive and the food isn't great either, so I don't want to go back.
- この町は景色もきれいなら、食べ物もおいしい。This town has both beautiful scenery and delicious food.
- 親も親なら、子も子だ。二人とも時間にルーズすぎる。Like parent, like child. They're both way too lax about time.
Caution
With も～ば～も, the two listed qualities are typically aligned in nature. This means you will usually see two positive things, two negative things, or two neutral things listed together, rather than a mix. Despite this, (A) and (B) can occasionally be contrastive, such as with 'to like', and 'to hate'.
- 彼は頭もよければ、性格も悪いから、友達が少ない。He is smart and has a bad personality, so he doesn't have many friends. (Unnatural Japanese)
Examples
このアパートは、お風呂もなければエアコンもない。
This apartment has neither a bath nor an air conditioner.
あの店は値段も安ければ、店員の態度もいい。
That shop has cheap prices, and the staff's attitude is good too.
彼女は英語も話せれば、スペイン語も話せる。
She can speak English and can also speak Spanish.
彼の話には根拠もなければ、論理性もない。
His story has neither evidence nor logic.
このアプリは、写真も編集できれば、ビデオも作れます。
This app can edit photos and create videos.
あの子は、歌も歌えれば、ダンスも踊れる。
That child can sing songs and can also dance.
私は料理もできなければ掃除もできないから、一人暮らしは無理だ。
I can't cook, nor can I clean, so living alone is impossible for me.
彼女は、頭もよければ、性格も良い。
She is not only smart, but also has a good personality.
この辺りは、コンビニもなければバス停もないから、結構不便だ。
Since this area has no convenience stores and no bus stops, it's quite inconvenient.
あの会社は、給料も良くなければ、将来性もないから、やめた方がいい。
Since that company's salary is not good and it has no future prospects, it's better to quit.
人生には、良いこともあれば、悪いこともある。だから、あまり落ち込まないで。
In life, there are good times and there are bad times. That's why you shouldn't get too down.
彼は勉強もできれば、運動もできるし、その上イケメンだ。
He can study well, he's also good at sports, and on top of that, he's handsome.