Meaning
a set phrase that connects opposing or contrasting adjectives to express that, regardless of the degree or variation, a certain condition applies. It is often used to convey that the situation described will occur to some extent, regardless of specifics.
Even if there are differences in degree, the outcome remains the same. Idiomatic expressions such as "遅かれ早かれ" (sooner or later) and "多かれ少なかれ" (more or less) are frequently used.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| イ形容詞 | イ形容詞 いAかれ + いBかれ |
Examples
-
どんな人でも多かれ少なかれ悩みがあるものだ。
Everyone, more or less, has their own worries. -
多かれ少なかれ、誰にだって夢がある。
More or less, everyone has dreams. -
遅かれ早かれ、彼は仕事で成功する見込みがある。
Sooner or later, he is likely to succeed in his job. -
頑張っていれば遅かれ早かれ、いつか結果は出るはずだ。
If you keep working hard, sooner or later, you will get results. -
遅かれ早かれ、返事を出さなければならないのだから、できるだけ早いほうがいい。
So, sooner or later, you will have to reply, so it's better to do it as soon as possible.「
Summary
- 〜かれ〜かれ means "sooner or later ; more or less"
- Formation: イ形容詞 → イ形容詞 いAかれ + いBかれ
- This is an N1-level grammar pattern