Structure
Noun + であれ
［な］Adjective + であれ
WH-Word + であれ
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Formal
About であれ
Functioning as an extension of である, the formal copula that is a combination of the conjunctive form of the auxiliary verb だ, and the う-Verb ある, であれ or であろうと will be used in order to express strong will or conviction.
あれ is simply the imperative form of ある, while あろうと is the positive volitional form combined with the case-marking particle と. Both structures are usually translated as 'even if (A), (B)', or 'no matter if (A), (B)'. Despite this, the more literal meaning of each is closer to 'so it's (A), (B) still won't be affected'. This just emphasizes the fact that (A) is of no relation to the result, like saying 'so what if it is' in English.
Both であれ and であろうと will primarily attach to nouns in sentences that express some kind of question or assumption through words like どんな or たとえ.
As both であれ and であろうと use structures that indicate strong will, these grammar patterns will frequently be used in sentences where the speaker is expressing their opinions or resolutions.
Synonyms
であれ〜であれ
Whether or, Or, No matter which, In either case
Not studied yet
にしろ～にしろ
Whether… or
Not studied yet
にせよ・にしろ
Even if, Even though, No matter, Whether… or
Not studied yet
とはいえ
Though, Although (I admit that), Be that as it may, Nonetheless
Not studied yet
何しろ
No wonder, After all, In fact, Because, At any rate
Not studied yet
Examples
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誰であれ全ての人々は同様に死ぬ。
No matter who you are, all people die similarly.
小説：「どのような状況であれ、逃げることは許されない。」
Novel: 'No matter the circumstances, running away is unforgivable.'
何であれ、両親にとっては我が子はいつも愛する我が子。
No matter what, from a parent's point of view, their child is always their beloved child.
たとえ小さなものであれ検察官は賄賂を受け取るわけにはいかない。
Even if it is just a small thing, the public prosecutor must not accept a bribe.
たとえ氷のように純粋であれ、世界の悪からは免れられないだろう。
Even if one is as pure as ice, it seems that one cannot avoid the evil of the world.
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A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar
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