JLPT N1 grammar

〜ともあろうmeaning and usage

Meaning

Despite B being A, (undesirable results)

How to form it

  • nounともあろう人/者/方/所が

How it is used

After a noun of high status or role: 'someone who is A, of all people', expressing surprise, criticism or disappointment at behaviour unworthy of it; often 「〜ともあろう人が」. Formal. 「たるもの」 instead says how such a person should be.

Examples

  1. 議員ともあろう方が、不正を黙認していたなんて。

    Despite being a member of parliament, to tolerate wrongdoing…

  2. 教師ともあろう者が、生徒との約束を忘れるとは。

    To think that a teacher, of all people, would forget a promise to a student!

  3. 一流ホテルともあろう所が、予約を忘れていたのには驚いた。

    I was amazed that a first-class hotel, of all places, had forgotten my booking.