N2 Hypothetical and Conditional

~にしても~にしても/~にしろ~にしろ/~にせよ~にせよ: meaning, usage and examples

~にしても~にしても/~にしろ~にしろ/~にせよ~にせよ means: whether... or... / both... and...

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 晴はれにしろ雨あめにしろ、明日あしたは出発しゅっぱつする。

   Whether it's sunny or rainy, we'll depart tomorrow.

2. 田中たなかさんにしても佐藤さとうさんにしても、みんな優秀ゆうしゅうだ。

   Both Mr. Tanaka and Mr. Sato are excellent.

3. 行いくにせよ行いかないにせよ、早はやめに決きめたほうがいい。

   Whether you go or not, you should decide soon.

4. 肉にくにしろ魚さかなにしろ、新鮮しんせんなものを選えらぶことが大切たいせつだ。

   Whether it's meat or fish, it's important to choose fresh ones.

When to use it

Takes two examples or two opposite choices and says the same thing is true for both: "whether A or B". 行いくにせよ行いかないにせよ、連絡れんらくしてください (whether you go or not, please let me know). It often groups two members of a category: 肉にくにしろ魚さかなにしろ (both meat and fish).

Nuance

にしても is the most conversational. にしろ is a little stiffer, and にせよ is the most formal and written. The second clause is often an opinion, rule or request that applies regardless of the choice. The two items should be parallel (opposites or the same type).

Compare

AといいBといい also lists two items, but only to evaluate one thing, usually with praise or criticism: 味あじといい値段ねだんといい、最高さいこうだ. AにしろBにしろ covers both choices and leads to a general statement or instruction: 賛成さんせいにしろ反対はんたいにしろ、理由りゆうを書かくこと.

Tip: Repeat the same form twice: にしろ～にしろ, never にしろ～にせよ. Verb pairs are often する / しない.