JLPT N1 Grammar: ～かれ～かれ – Whether… or…

The grammar pattern ～かれ～かれ is used to express “whether A or B, something is true” — often implying that, regardless of the specific degree or type, something is unavoidable. This pattern is often used with adjectives and carries a formal, written tone.

1. Meaning & Nuance

• ～かれ～かれ means: “whether… or…,” “sooner or later,” “in any case.”
• It typically combines two opposite or contrasting adjectives or states.
• Used in formal writing or speeches; rarely heard in daily conversation.

2. Formation

3. Common Expressions

4. Example Sentences

• 多かれ少なかれ、誰でもストレスを感じている。
  More or less, everyone feels stress.
• 遅かれ早かれ、その事実は明らかになるだろう。
  Sooner or later, the truth will come out.
• 良かれ悪しかれ、彼の意見は影響力がある。
  For better or worse, his opinion carries influence.
• 好きかれ嫌いかれ、この規則に従う必要がある。
  Whether you like it or not, you must follow this rule.

5. Usage Tips

• This pattern is typically fixed and idiomatic — it’s best to memorize common pairs like 多かれ少なかれ and 遅かれ早かれ.
• The meaning always suggests that something is inevitable, no matter which side or condition applies.
• Use in formal essays, reports, or speeches — rarely used in casual speech.

6. Comparison Table

7. Practice Exercises

A. Fill in the blanks

1. ＿＿＿＿＿＿、このプロジェクトは進めなければならない。
2. ＿＿＿＿＿＿、人間はミスをするものだ。
3. 彼の発言は、＿＿＿＿＿＿、影響力がある。
4. ＿＿＿＿＿＿、その計画には賛成できない。

B. Translate into Japanese

1. More or less, everyone is affected by this law.
2. Sooner or later, the company will change its policy.
3. For better or worse, we have to accept the decision.
4. Whether you like it or not, this is your responsibility.

C. Make your own sentences

Use ～かれ～かれ in at least 3 original sentences about life, work, or society.

8. Summary Table

Next Lesson