GrammarJLPT N1A うが B うが (A uga B uga)

A うが B うが (A uga B uga)

JLPT N1

Explanation

Expresses the idea of 'no matter how... or', 'even if... or'.

Formation

Verb-volitional form + うが + Verb-volitional form + うが, or Adjective (-かろう) + が + Adjective (-かろう) + が

Detailed Explanation

The ~うが ~うが grammar pattern is used to express that regardless of the conditions in A and B, the result remains the same. Often you’ll see volitional forms or i-adjective '-かろうが' forms. It can be translated as 'no matter how... or...', 'even if... or...'.

Examples

朝早かろうが夜遅かろうが、いつもバスが遅れる。

Asa hayakarou ga yoru osokarou ga, itsumo basu ga okureru.

No matter whether it's early morning or late at night, the bus is always late.

彼に話そうが話すまいが、結果は変わらない。

Kare ni hanasou ga hanasu maiga, kekka wa kawaranai.

Even if I talk to him or don't, the outcome won't change.

この仕事をしようがしまいが、給料は同じだ。

Kono shigoto o shiyou ga shimai ga, kyuuryou wa onaji da.

Whether I do this job or not, the salary is the same.

あの人に話そうが話すまいが、理解してくれるとは思えない。

Ano hito ni hanasou ga hanasu maiga, rikai shite kureru to wa omoenai.

I don't think that person would understand whether I talk to them or not.

Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.