JLPT N1 Very formal / literary

A nishiro B nishiro

Means 'whether it is A or B'; 'regardless of A or B'.

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

Formation

Explanation

A にしろ B にしろ is used to indicate that even though A and B are different possibilities, the statement or conclusion applies regardless. Often translated as 'whether it’s A or B' or 'regardless of A or B'.

Example sentences

  • Whether it's hot or cold, you should exercise every day.

    Atsui ni shiro samui ni shiro, mainichi undou suru beki desu.

  • Whether I pass or fail, I did my best.

    Goukaku suru ni shiro fukougaku ni naru ni shiro, saizen o tsukushimashita.

  • Whether you're busy or free, you should value your time.

    Isogashii ni shiro hima ni shiro, jikan o taisetsu ni subeki desu.

  • Whether they're large or small, please move all those boxes here.

    Ookii ni shiro chiisai ni shiro, sono hako wa zenbu koko ni hakonde kudasai.

Regardless (Whether A Or B)