GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜であれ
Acknowledges a particular identity or condition while indicating that there is no exception to the following principle or result.
Examples
相手が誰であれ、根拠のない批判には同意できない。
Whoever the other person may be, I cannot agree with criticism that has no basis.
Words used
事情がどのようであれ、規則は守るべきだ。
Whatever the circumstances may be, the rules should be followed.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Attach
であれto a noun naming a status or condition, or to an interrogative expression, to show that the following judgment applies regardless of that condition or identity. - Basic usage:
相手が誰であれ、根拠のない批判には同意できない。means that the speaker cannot agree with baseless criticism, whoever the other person may be.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Scope of the interrogative expression
誰であれdoes not ask for a person's name; it allows no exception based on identity.どのようであれlikewise concedes that the type of circumstances does not change the conclusion.
- Imperative-looking form and concessive role
- Here
であれdoes not command someone to be something; it expresses concession much likeであっても. Expanding it as誰であってもmakes its role in the sentence clear.
- Here