Posted inN2 Grammar

Mastering 「にしろ～にしろ」: Expressing Inclusivity in Japanese (JLPT N2 Grammar)

Posted inN2 Grammar
Japanese Grammar Template
Meaning & Usage

✨ Basic Meaning

“Whether A or B,” “Regardless of A or B,” or “Be it A or B.” It indicates that a statement holds true or an action is taken irrespective of the choice between two or more contrasting possibilities.

🎯 Primary Function

To present two (or sometimes more) alternative situations, conditions, or options, stating that the main clause applies to all of them, or that the speaker’s judgment/action remains the same for all options. It expresses an exhaustive or inclusive “either way” or “no matter which.”

📋 Grammar Structure

Verb (plain form) + にしろ + Verb (plain form) + にしろ い-adjective (plain form) + にしろ + い-adjective (plain form) + にしろ な-adjective (plain form / である) + にしろ + な-adjective (plain form / である) + にしろ Noun + にしろ + Noun + にしろ (Can also be used with more than two contrasting elements: AにしろBにしろCにしろ…) Note: For な-adjectives and nouns, the plain form ending in だ can sometimes be used in casual speech, but である is more common and often preferred for a slightly more formal or definitive nuance in written contexts.

🎭 Usage Contexts

🏢 Formal Situations

Can be used in formal writing, reports, or speeches, especially when discussing comprehensive policies or general truths that cover various scenarios.

😊 Informal Situations

Common in everyday conversation to express a general point, a sense of neutrality, or a “no matter what” attitude.

✍️ Written Language

Frequently appears in essays, articles, academic papers, and formal reports to present balanced or exhaustive perspectives.

🗣️ Spoken Language

Used in spoken Japanese to make a clear point, express indifference, or ensure all possibilities are covered in a discussion.

💡 Common Applications

Expressing Neutrality or Indifference
Used to convey that the outcome or speaker’s stance remains unchanged regardless of the options presented.
Example: 雨が降るにしろ、晴れるにしろ、遠足は決行します。 (Whether it rains or shines, the excursion will go ahead.)
Covering All Possibilities/Exhaustive Listing
Emphasizes that the following statement is true for all items mentioned, leaving no exceptions.
Example: 良い点数を取るにしろ、取れないにしろ、一生懸命頑張ったことに意味がある。 (Whether you get a good score or not, there’s meaning in trying your best.)
Making a Firm Statement/Decision
Used to reinforce a decision or statement by showing it applies universally across different conditions.
Example: 彼が賛成するにしろ、反対するにしろ、この計画は実行します。 (Whether he agrees or disagrees, this plan will be executed.)
📊
Frequency
Moderately frequent among advanced learners and native speakers, especially in discussions and explanations where covering all bases is important.
🎚️
Difficulty
Intermediate to Advanced (JLPT N2). The concept is straightforward, but nuanced usage and distinguishing it from similar patterns require practice.
Example Sentences
成功するにしろ、失敗するにしろ、この経験はきっと役に立つだろう。
Whether we succeed or fail, this experience will surely be useful.
来るにしろ来ないにしろ、私はあなたを待ち続ける。
Whether you come or not, I will keep waiting for you.
高いにしろ安いにしろ、質が良いものが欲しい。
Whether it’s expensive or cheap, I want something of good quality.
Notes & Nuances

📌 Important Points

Exhaustive Coverage
「にしろ～にしろ」 emphasizes that the statement in the main clause holds true for *all* the presented alternatives, leaving no exceptions. It implies a sense of “no matter which” or “either way.”
Example: 男性にしろ女性にしろ、平等な機会が与えられるべきだ。 (Whether male or female, equal opportunities should be given.)
Usage with More Than Two Elements
While commonly used with two contrasting elements, it can also be extended to three or more, though less common.
Example: 夏にしろ、冬にしろ、春にしろ、日本は美しい。 (Whether it’s summer, winter, or spring, Japan is beautiful.)

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Incorrect conjugation with nouns/na-adjectives
✅ Using だ instead of である for nouns or な-adjectives when a more formal or standard expression is desired (e.g., 彼は学生だにしろ、…).
While だ can be heard in very casual speech, である is the grammatically more standard and widely accepted form when connecting nouns/な-adjectives to 「にしろ」, especially in written or slightly more formal contexts.
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🏛️ Cultural Context

Politeness Level: Neutral. The politeness level of the overall sentence is determined by the politeness of the verbs and expressions used in the main clause and the context, not by 「にしろ」 itself.
Social Situations: Applicable in a wide range of social situations, from casual discussions among friends to more formal presentations or debates, depending on the surrounding expressions.
Regional Variations: The usage and nuance are generally consistent across different regions of Japan, with no significant regional variations identified.

🔍 Subtle Differences

にしろ vs. にせよ
These two patterns are largely interchangeable and carry very similar meanings of “whether A or B.” Historically, にせよ is often considered slightly more formal or literary, while にしろ might feel a touch more common in modern spoken Japanese. Both can also imply a slight concession.
When to use: Use にせよ for a slightly more formal or literary tone, or when a nuance of “even if” is implied. Use にしろ for a generally versatile and common expression that fits most contexts.
にしろ vs. ～であろうと
「～であろうと」 also means “whether A or B” or “regardless of A or B.” It often carries a stronger nuance of “no matter what” and can sound more emphatic or assertive, typically used in more formal or resolute statements.
When to use: Use 「であろうと」 when you want to convey a stronger sense of “regardless of” or “no matter what,” particularly in more definitive or formal declarations.
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📝 Conjugation Notes

Always attach 「にしろ」 to the plain form (辞書形, た形, ない形, です/ます形 are NOT used here) of verbs and i-adjectives. For nouns and な-adjectives, the plain form (e.g., 学生, 静かだ) is used, but である is very common and often preferred for a more standard expression (e.g., 学生であるにしろ, 静かであるにしろ).

🔊 Pronunciation Tips

The “し” in 「にしろ」 is pronounced like “shi” in “ship.” Ensure a smooth flow when connecting it to the preceding plain form, especially for i-adjectives ending in “い” (e.g., 高いにしろ).

🧠 Memory Tips

Think of 「にしろ」 as “whether you choose this or that, the result is the same.” The “しろ” part can be loosely associated with 「白黒はっきりさせる」 (to make clear whether black or white, i.e., to make a decision), implying that whichever side is chosen, the outcome remains constant.

Vocabulary List
成功
seikō
success
失敗
shippai
failure
経験
keiken
experience
役に立つ
yaku ni tatsu
to be useful
続ける
tsuzukeru
to continue
高い
takai
expensive, high
安い
cheap
Kanji List
成
せい
become, form
功
こう
merit, success
失
しつ
lose, error
敗
はい
defeat, fail
経
けい
pass through, longitude
験
けん
test, experiment
役
やく
service, role
立
たつ
stand
続
つづく
continue
高
たか
high, expensive
安
やす
cheap, peaceful
Practice Exercises
明日は晴れる____、雨が降る____、遠足は決行です。
a) にしても、にしても
b) にしろ、にしろ
c) にせよ、にせよ
d) にとって、にとって
この計画は、成功する____、失敗する____、学ぶことが多いだろう。
a) にしろ、にしろ
b) にしても、にしても
c) にせよ、にせよ
d) において、において
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