Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 10: 4/22

にせよEven if, Even though, No matter, Whether… or

Structure

Verb + にしろ(1) + Phrase
[い]Adjective + にしろ(1) + Phrase
[な]Adjective + (である)+ にしろ(1) + Phrase
Noun + (である)+ にしろ(1) + Phrase


(1) にせよ

Details

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    Standard

About にせよ・にしろ

にせよ, and にしろ are two phrases that are often translated as 'even if (A)', or 'no matter if (A)'. This structure is a combination of に, and either of the imperative forms of する; せよ, or しろ. せよ tends to be more common in written material, while しろ is more common in speech. Despite the English translations, this particular use of the imperative form of する translates more accurately to 'so it's (A), who cares!', as the speaker is just strongly stating that the actual condition of (A) is unimportant in relation to what they actually want to say.

にせよ and にしろ can appear following verbs, い-Adjectives, な-Adjectives or nouns in any of their standard forms.

As this structure is fairly direct, in most cases it will be used as a way to emphasize that regardless of what the case is for (A), (B) is still true, or is the more important matter to consider.

Synonyms

Examples

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    (ちが)いがあるにせよ、わずかな()だ。

    Even if there is a difference it is minimal.

    それは(むずか)しいにしろ、するしかない。

    Even though it is hard, I have no choice but to do it.

    ()まないにしろ居酒屋(いざかや)()こう。

    Even if we don't drink, let's go to an Izakaya.

    いずれにせよ、この決定(けってい)()わりません。

    At any rate, this decision will stand.

    それが上司(じょうし)命令(めいれい)にせよ、わたしは(したが)えません。

    Even if that is an order from the boss, I will not follow it.

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      にせよ・にしろ – Grammar Discussion

      Most Recent Replies (2 in total)

      • Hadros232232

        Hadros232232

        How does にしろ differ from とも or にしても?

      • Fuga

        Fuga

        Hey @Hadros232232 !

        にしても・にしろ・とも・にせよ all mean the same thing and many people use them depending on which one sounds better in that situation.

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