JLPT Grammar: ～にせよ～にせよ – Whether… or…

By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025

📘 Meaning & Usage

The structure ～にせよ～にせよ (also written as ～にしろ～にしろ) expresses the idea of “whether… or…” and introduces two or more contrasting options that lead to the same result or opinion.

Common translations: Whether… or… / No matter if it’s A or B

Form:

• Noun / Verb / Adjective (plain form) + にせよ + Noun / Verb + にせよ

Used when:

• You want to compare or list multiple conditions
• You want to express that a statement applies regardless of which case
• You are speaking or writing formally

💡 Example Sentences

• 勉強にせよ運動にせよ、継続が大切だ。
  Whether it’s studying or exercising, consistency is important.
• 賛成にせよ反対にせよ、意見を言ってください。
  Whether you agree or disagree, please express your opinion.
• 旅行にせよ出張にせよ、事前の準備が必要だ。
  Whether it’s travel or a business trip, preparation is necessary.
• 結果にせよ過程にせよ、全力を尽くすことが大事だ。
  Whether it’s about the result or the process, giving your best is important.
• 学生にせよ社会人にせよ、時間の使い方は重要です。
  Whether you’re a student or working adult, how you use your time matters.

📚 Grammar Notes

• ～にせよ is more formal than ～にしろ.
• This pattern is often used in written language or formal speeches.
• You may also see a third example introduced with ～にせよ after the first two.

📝 Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks

1. 成功＿＿＿＿、失敗＿＿＿＿、挑戦することが大事だ。
2. 男性＿＿＿＿、女性＿＿＿＿、この仕事はできる。
3. 都会＿＿＿＿、田舎＿＿＿＿、それぞれの良さがある。

✔ Answers:

• にせよ、にせよ
• にせよ、にせよ
• にせよ、にせよ

2. Translate into Japanese

1. Whether it’s now or later, you must make a decision.
2. Whether you like it or not, the rule must be followed.
3. Whether it’s a big problem or a small one, deal with it seriously.

✔ Sample Answers:

• 今にせよ後にせよ、決断しなければならない。
• 好きにせよ嫌いにせよ、そのルールは守らなければならない。
• 大きな問題にせよ小さな問題にせよ、真剣に対応するべきだ。

🔗 Related Grammar

• ～にしろ～にしろ: Slightly more casual version of the same meaning
• ～にしても～にしても: “Even if A or B” – softer contrast
• ～としても: “Even if” in hypothetical or concessive situations

🧠 Summary

• Meaning: Whether A or B
• Level: JLPT N2/N1
• Form: Noun / Verb + にせよ～にせよ
• Use: To show that the conclusion remains the same regardless of A or B
• Formality: High – common in written and formal spoken Japanese

thuandao

I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.