whether... or... (in any case)

であれ〜であれ lists alternatives to say the conclusion holds for all of them. Attach it to two nouns. A single であれ after a noun means "even if it is". It is formal and stresses that the choice makes no difference.

Examples

• 大人おとなであれ子供こどもであれ、ルールは守まもるべきだ。

  Otona de are kodomo de are, ruuru wa mamoru beki da.

  Whether adult or child, everyone should follow the rules.

• 晴はれであれ雨あめであれ、試合しあいは行おこなわれる。

  Hare de are ame de are, shiai wa okonawareru.

  Whether sunny or rainy, the match will be held.

Vocabulary in these examples

• 大人 adult
• ある to exist (inanimate); to have
• 子供 child
• 守る to protect, to keep
• 晴れ clear weather
• 雨 rain

Related patterns · Emphasis and listing

• 〜たりとも not even one; not the slightest
• 〜だに even just; not even
• 〜もさることながら not only... but also (both notable)
• 〜といい〜といい both... and... (in every respect)