にせよ
Even if, Even though, No matter, Whether… or
Structure
［い］Adjective + にしろ(1) + Phrase
［な］Adjective + (である）+ にしろ(1) + Phrase
Noun + （である）+ にしろ(1) + Phrase
(1) にせよ
Explanation
The phrases にせよ and にしろ are both used to express the idea of 'even if' or 'regardless of'. This grammar is formed by combining the particle に with the imperative forms of する, which are せよ and しろ. Generally, せよ is found more often in writing, whereas しろ is more common in spoken Japanese. Although often translated as 'even if', the imperative form here carries a nuance closer to 'so what if it's (A)...', indicating that the speaker considers the condition in (A) to be unimportant compared to their main point.
にせよ and にしろ can be attached to any standard form of a verb, い-Adjective, な-Adjective, or noun.
- 試合に勝てないにせよ、最後まで頑張るべきだ。Even if we can't win the match, we should still try our hardest until the very end.
- どれだけ忙しいにしろ、食事はちゃんと取らなければならない。However busy you may be, you still have to eat properly.
- 彼のことが嫌いにせよ、挨拶ぐらいはするべきだ。Even if you can't stand him, you should at least say hello.
- 相手が初心者にしろ、油断してはいけない。You can't let your guard down, even if your opponent is just a beginner.
Because this grammar pattern is quite assertive, it is primarily used to stress that the statement in the second part of the sentence holds true, or is the primary concern, irrespective of the circumstances mentioned in the first part.
Examples
問題があるにせよ、冷静に話し合うべきだ。
Even if there's a problem, we should discuss it calmly.
このレストランは高いにしろ、一度は行ってみたい。
Even though this restaurant is expensive, I want to try going at least once.
勝てないにしろ、最後まで全力を尽くそう。
Even if we can't win, let's give it our all until the very end.
いずれにせよ、明日までには返事が必要だ。
In any case, I need an answer by tomorrow.
それが冗談にせよ、言っていいことと悪いことがある。
Even if that was a joke, there are some things you just shouldn't say.
理由が何にせよ、約束を破るのはよくない。
Whatever the reason may be, it's not good to break a promise.
初心者にしろ、ルールは守らなければならない。
Even if you're a beginner, you still have to follow the rules.
一度失敗したにせよ、もう一度挑戦する価値はある。
Even if you failed once, it's worth trying again.
彼のことが嫌いにしろ、仕事では協力しなければならない。
Even if you dislike him, you have to cooperate with him at work.
今から出ても間に合うにしろ、電車が遅れる可能性も考えておこう。
Even though we might make it in time if we leave now, let's consider the possibility that the train could be delayed.
どんなに小さなミスであったにしろ、報告する義務がある。
No matter how small the mistake was, you have an obligation to report it.
母：「一人で旅行するにせよ、毎日ちゃんと連絡しなさいね。」
Mother: 'Even if you're traveling alone, make sure to contact me every day, okay?'