A にせよ B にせよ

A ni seyo B ni seyo

JLPT N1 Very formal, literary Chapter 124: N1: Regardless (Whether A Or B), 6 of 10

Formation

Noun + にせよ + Noun + にせよ (also works with verbs in dictionary form + にせよ)

Either A or B; Regardless of whether it's A or B.

When to use

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

Explanation

The 〜にせよ〜にせよ grammar point is used to express two possibilities A and B, indicating that regardless of whether it is A or B, the statement remains valid. It can be translated as 'whether it's A or B.'

Example sentences

雨あめにせよ雪ゆきにせよ、試合しあいは中止ちゅうししない。

Whether it's rain or snow, the match won't be cancelled.

Ame ni seyo yuki ni seyo, shiai wa chuushi shinai.
彼かれにせよ彼女かのじょにせよ、誰だれか一人ひとりが行いくべきだ。

Whether it's him or her, someone should go.

Kare ni seyo kanojo ni seyo, dareka hitori ga iku beki da.
成果せいかにせよ努力どりょくにせよ、どちらも重要じゅうようだ。

Whether it's results or effort, both are important.

Seika ni seyo doryoku ni seyo, dochira mo juuyou da.
春はるにせよ秋あきにせよ、私わたしは花はなが好すきだ。

Whether it's spring or fall, I like flowers.

Haru ni seyo aki ni seyo, watashi wa hana ga suki da.

Regardless (Whether A Or B)

Compare when to use each