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JLPT N1 Very formal / literary

A uto B uto

Shows that the speaker is indifferent to both conditions; 'whether A or B'.

Formal, literary - one of several near-interchangeable "whether A or B" constructions; stylistic choice more than a formality ladder.

Formation

Explanation

The うと うと pattern indicates that A and B are both possibilities, yet the speaker's stance or the outcome doesn’t change. It's often translated as 'whether A or B'. For i-adjectives, the '-かろうと' form is used. For nouns or な-adjectives, you’ll see 'Noun/な-adjective + であろうと'.

Example sentences

  • Whether it's raining or sunny, I jog every day.

    Ame ga furou to hareyou to, watashi wa mainichi jogingu o shimasu.

  • Whether the exam is difficult or easy, I will study hard.

    Shiken ga muzukashikarou to yasashikarou to, isshoukenmei benkyou shimasu.

  • Whether he's a student or a working adult, I respect him.

    Kare ga gakusei de arou to shakaijin de arou to, watashi wa kare o sonkei shiteimasu.

  • Whether the movie is new or old, if it's interesting, I'll watch it.

    Sono eiga ga atarashii de arou to furui de arou to, omoshirokereba mimasu.

Regardless (Whether A Or B)