JLPT N1 grammar

〜うが〜うがmeaning and usage

Meaning

Whether A or B

How to form it

  • verb (volitional form)がverb (volitional form)が
  • い-adjective stem (without い)かろうがい-adjective stem (without い)かろうが
  • noun/な-adjective (stem)だろうが/であろうがnoun/な-adjective (stem)だろうが/であろうが

How it is used

'Whether A or B', the result or the speaker's stance stays the same; A and B are usually opposites or parallel examples. Emphatic and leaning formal; 「〜うと〜うと」 is a variant. For 'do or not', use 「〜うが〜まいが」.

Examples

  1. 限定グッズは高かろうが安かろうが絶対に欲しい。

    I absolutely want the limited-edition merchandise, whether it's expensive or cheap.

  2. 祖父は、雨が降ろうが雪が降ろうが、毎朝散歩に出かける。

    Rain or snow, my grandfather goes out for a walk every morning.

  3. 子どもだろうが大人だろうが、ルールは守らなければならない。

    Child or adult, everyone has to follow the rules.