Welcome to our Japanese grammar series! Today we’re delving into the useful expression ~はともあれ (ha tomoare), which is commonly used in intermediate to advanced Japanese. This expression helps you transition between topics while acknowledging previously mentioned information.
What is ~はともあれ?
~はともあれ can be translated as “whatever the case may be,” “be that as it may,” “in any case,” or “anyway.” It’s used to acknowledge what was previously mentioned but then move on to a new topic or the main point of discussion.
This expression allows speakers to recognize preceding information while indicating that they’re ready to shift focus or proceed to their main point regardless of what was just discussed.
Basic Structure
Noun + はともあれ
Clause + はともあれ
After ~はともあれ, the speaker typically continues with the main topic or moves on to a new topic.
Detailed Explanation
1. Etymology and Composition
The expression ~はともあれ breaks down as follows:
- は: The topic marker particle
- とも: Derived from と (quotative particle) + も (even/also), suggesting “even if it is said that…”
- あれ: From the imperative form of ある (to be), suggesting “let it be”
Combined, these elements create an expression that acknowledges what was previously said but then moves forward regardless.
2. Usage Patterns
There are two main ways to use ~はともあれ:
A. With a Noun
When used with a noun, はともあれ follows directly after the noun that represents the topic being acknowledged but set aside.
B. With a Clause
When used with a clause (a complete thought ending with a verb, adjective, or copula), はともあれ follows the clause that is being acknowledged but transitioning away from.
3. Nuance and Tone
~はともあれ has a somewhat formal or literary tone. It’s often used in:
- Written Japanese (essays, reports, articles)
- Formal speeches
- News broadcasts
- Business settings
In casual conversation, expressions like とにかく (anyway) or いずれにせよ (in any case) might be more common.
Examples with Detailed Breakdowns
Example 1: With a Noun
理由はともあれ、彼は遅刻してしまった。
Riyū wa tomoare, kare wa chikoku shite shimatta.
Whatever the reason may be, he was late.
Breakdown: In this example, 理由 (riyū – reason) is the noun that はともあれ follows. The speaker acknowledges that there might be reasons for the lateness but is moving past that to state the fact that the person was late. The focus is on the result (being late) rather than the reasons.
Example 2: With a Clause
彼が来なかったはともあれ、私たちは会議を始めましょう。
Kare ga konakatta wa tomoare, watashitachi wa kaigi o hajimemashō.
Be that as it may that he didn’t come, let’s start the meeting.
Breakdown: Here, はともあれ follows the clause 彼が来なかった (kare ga konakatta – he didn’t come). The speaker acknowledges his absence but suggests moving forward with the meeting regardless. The focus shifts from his absence to starting the meeting.
Example 3: Starting a New Topic
天気予報はともあれ、念のため傘を持っていきましょう。
Tenki yohō wa tomoare, nen no tame kasa o motte ikimashō.
Whatever the weather forecast says, let’s take an umbrella just in case.
Breakdown: The noun 天気予報 (tenki yohō – weather forecast) is followed by はともあれ. The speaker acknowledges the weather forecast but suggests taking precautions regardless. The focus shifts from what the forecast predicts to what action to take.
More Practical Examples
結果はともあれ、彼らは最善を尽くした。
Kekka wa tomoare, karera wa saizen o tsukushita.
Whatever the result may be, they did their best.
親の反対はともあれ、彼女は海外留学を決意した。
Oya no hantai wa tomoare, kanojo wa kaigai ryūgaku o ketsui shita.
Despite her parents’ opposition, she decided to study abroad.
彼が何を言ったはともあれ、事実は変わらない。
Kare ga nani o itta wa tomoare, jijitsu wa kawaranai.
Whatever he said, the facts remain unchanged.
その映画の評価はともあれ、私は楽しめた。
Sono eiga no hyōka wa tomoare, watashi wa tanoshimeta.
Regardless of the reviews of that movie, I enjoyed it.
試合に負けたはともあれ、チームの団結力は強まった。
Shiai ni maketa wa tomoare, chīmu no danketsuryoku wa tsuyomatta.
Although we lost the match, the team’s unity has strengthened.
Comparing ~はともあれ with Similar Expressions
To master ~はともあれ, it’s helpful to understand how it differs from similar expressions:
| Expression | Meaning | Nuance | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~はともあれ | Whatever the case may be | Acknowledges but sets aside previous information | Formal/Literary |
| ~にしても | Even if/Even though | Presents a condition that doesn’t affect the outcome | Neutral |
| とにかく | Anyway/Anyhow | Shifts to the main point without necessarily acknowledging previous information | Casual |
| いずれにせよ | In any case | Indicates that different possibilities lead to the same conclusion | Formal |
| ~にもかかわらず | Despite/Nevertheless | Emphasizes contrast between expectation and reality | Formal |
Comparison Examples:
雨はともあれ、予定通り出かけましょう。
Ame wa tomoare, yotei-dōri dekakemashō.
Whatever the case may be with the rain, let’s go out as planned.
(Acknowledges the rain but moves on to the main point)
雨にしても、予定通り出かけましょう。
Ame ni shitemo, yotei-dōri dekakemashō.
Even if it rains, let’s go out as planned.
(Presents rain as a condition that doesn’t affect the outcome)
とにかく、予定通り出かけましょう。
Tonikaku, yotei-dōri dekakemashō.
Anyway, let’s go out as planned.
(Simply shifts to the main point)
Practice Exercises
Let’s test your understanding of ~はともあれ with these exercises:
Exercise 1: Complete the Sentences
Complete the following sentences using ~はともあれ with the given words:
- 理由（ ）、彼は会社を辞めた。
(Whatever the reason may be, he quit the company.) - 彼女の意見（ ）、私たちは計画を進めることにした。
(Regardless of her opinion, we decided to proceed with the plan.) - 試験の結果（ ）、君の努力は素晴らしかった。
(Whatever the exam results may be, your effort was wonderful.) - 彼が遅れた（ ）、会議は時間通りに始まった。
(Despite the fact that he was late, the meeting started on time.) - 天気（ ）、イベントは予定通り行われる。
(Whatever the weather may be, the event will take place as scheduled.)
Exercise 2: Translation
Translate these sentences into Japanese using ~はともあれ:
- Whatever the difficulty may be, we need to finish this project by next week.
- Regardless of the price, I want to buy that car.
- Whatever he thinks, I’m going to tell him the truth.
- Despite the criticism, the movie became very popular.
- Be that as it may that we’re short on time, we should do this properly.
Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Usage
Choose the sentence where ~はともあれ is used correctly and appropriately:
A: 彼はともあれ、早く行きましょう。
B: 彼のことはともあれ、早く行きましょう。
A: 昨日の試合はともあれ負けた。
B: 昨日の試合はともあれ、今日は頑張りましょう。
A: 問題はともあれ、解決策を考えましょう。
B: はともあれ問題は難しい。
A: 先生の意見はともあれ、私は自分の考えを持っています。
B: 先生はともあれ意見を言った。
A: 彼女が来ないはともあれ、始めましょう。
B: 彼女が来ないことはともあれ、始めましょう。
Answer Key
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect particle usage: Always use は before ともあれ, not が or を.
- Misplacement in the sentence: はともあれ should come after the topic being acknowledged but before moving to the main point.
- Using in very casual situations: This expression has a formal or literary tone, so using it in very casual conversation might sound unnatural.
- Incomplete thoughts: Make sure to properly conclude the sentence after はともあれ with the main point or new direction.
- Overuse: Using はともあれ too frequently can make your speech or writing sound repetitive and less natural.
When to Use ~はともあれ
This expression is particularly useful in these situations:
- When transitioning from background information to the main topic
- When acknowledging a situation but indicating it won’t affect your decision
- When you want to set aside a controversial topic and move forward
- In formal writing or speeches when changing topics
- When summarizing a discussion before moving to conclusions or next steps
Conclusion
The grammar pattern ~はともあれ is a versatile expression in Japanese that helps speakers transition between topics while acknowledging previously mentioned information. It’s particularly useful in formal or written Japanese when you need to acknowledge something but want to move past it to your main point.
While it might seem similar to other transitional expressions like とにかく or いずれにせよ, はともあれ has its own unique nuance of acknowledging the previous topic while indicating that it doesn’t affect what comes next.
As you practice using this expression, pay attention to the context and formality level to ensure you’re using it appropriately. With regular practice, you’ll be able to incorporate ~はともあれ naturally into your intermediate to advanced Japanese communication!
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