にしろ〜にしろ
Whether… or
Structure
［い］Adjective + にしろ(1) + ［い］Adjective + にしろ(1)
［な］Adjective + (である) + にしろ(1) ［な］Adjective + (である) + にしろ(1)
Noun + (である) + にしろ(1) + Noun + (である) + にしろ(1)
(1) にせよ
Explanation
にせよ and にしろ are expressions that typically mean 'even if (A)' or 'regardless of (A)'. This grammar pattern is formed by adding the particle に to the imperative forms of する, which are せよ and しろ. Generally, せよ is preferred in writing, whereas しろ is more common in spoken Japanese. Despite their English translations, the imperative form here adds a nuance of 'so what if it's (A), it doesn't matter', indicating that the speaker considers condition (A) to be irrelevant to the main point.
When used in the repeated pattern にせよ～にせよ, the structure shows that 'whether it's (A) or (B), (C) is the case regardless'. Often, (A) and (B) are presented as examples, implying that 'in situation (A), situation (B), or any other similar circumstance, (C) remains true'.
にせよ and にしろ can be attached to the standard forms of verbs, い-Adjectives, な-Adjectives, or nouns.
- 旅行に行くにせよ行かないにせよ、早めに決めてください。Whether you're going on the trip or not, please make a decision soon.
- 値段が高いにしろ安いにしろ、必要なものは買わなければならない。Regardless of whether the price is high or low, you have to buy what you need.
- 都会が便利にせよ不便にせよ、私は田舎に住みたい。Whether the city is convenient or not, I want to live in the countryside.
- 大人にしろ子供にしろ、この規則はみんなが守らなければなりません。Whether you're an adult or a child, everyone must follow this rule.
Caution
While not a strict grammatical error, mixing にしろ and にせよ in the same sentence sounds unnatural. For this reason, it is best to use the same form for both parts of the expression when repeating it.
- 日本語の勉強は、漢字にせよ文法にしろ、覚えることが多くて大変だ。When it comes to studying Japanese, whether it's the kanji or the grammar, there's so much to memorize that it's tough. (Unnatural Japanese)
Fun-fact
にせよ～にせよ is frequently used with opposite words (antonyms). This pairing implies that the statement applies not only to the two extremes presented, but to all possibilities in between as well.
- 試合に勝つにしろ負けるにしろ、最後まで全力を尽くすべきだ。Whether you win the match or lose, you should do your best until the very end.
Examples
高いにしろ安いにしろ、品質が一番大切だ。
Whether it's expensive or cheap, quality is the most important thing.
仕事にしろ遊びにしろ、彼はいつも全力だ。
Whether it's work or play, he always gives it his all.
行くにしろ行かないにしろ、早く決めて連絡してください。
Whether you're going or not, please decide quickly and let me know.
犬にしろ猫にしろ、ペットを飼うなら責任を持たなければならない。
Whether it's a dog or a cat, if you have a pet, you have to be responsible for it.
国内にしろ海外にしろ、旅行は楽しいものだ。
Whether it's domestic or overseas, traveling is always fun.
大人にしろ子供にしろ、この映画には感動するはずだ。
Be it adults or children, everyone should be moved by this movie.
賛成にせよ反対にせよ、自分の意見をはっきり言うべきだ。
Whether you agree or disagree, you should state your opinion clearly.
成功したにしろ失敗したにしろ、この経験は君を成長させるだろう。
Whether you succeeded or failed, this experience will surely help you grow.
見た目にしろ性格にしろ、彼女は本当に魅力的だ。
Whether it's her looks or her personality, she is truly charming.
晴れにしろ雨にしろ、明日のイベントは行われます。
Whether it's sunny or rainy, tomorrow's event will be held.
続けるにしろ辞めるにしろ、上司に相談した方がいい。
Whether you continue or quit, you should probably talk to your boss.
昇進するにしろしないにしろ、今の仕事に集中すべきです。
Whether you get promoted or not, you should focus on your current work.