N1Emphasis and Degree

N1 + あっての + N2

Q: Is "Using 'あっての' to express a simple cause-effect relationship" correct?

No. The correct form is "Using 'から' or 'ため' to express a simple cause-effect relationship". The pattern 'N1 + あっての + N2' emphasizes the essential foundation or condition that N1 provides for N2, whereas 'から' or 'ため' are used to express a simple cause-effect relationship.

Q: Is "Reversing the order of N1 and N2" correct?

No. The correct form is "Keeping the order of N1 + あっての + N2". The correct order is N1 + あっての + N2, not N2 + あっての + N1.

Q: Is "Confusing with 'kara koso' which emphasizes reason rather than existence" correct?

No. The correct form is "Using 'kara koso' to emphasize reason rather than existence". While both patterns can be used to express a relationship between two nouns, 'kara koso' emphasizes the reason or cause rather than the existence.

Because of; thanks to

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern 'N1 + あっての + N2' is used to express that N2 exists or is possible only because of N1. It emphasizes the essential foundation or condition that N1 provides for N2. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of dependence or reliance on N1 for the existence or possibility of N2. For example, '健康あっての人生だ' means that life is possible only because of good health.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
N1 is usually a noun or a noun phrase in the nominative form	N1 + あっての + N2	健康あっての人生だ
N2 is usually a noun or a noun phrase in the nominative form	N1 + あっての + N2	お客様あっての商売だ
The verb form of N1 can be used to emphasize the condition or foundation more strongly	N1 (verb form) + あっての + N2	健康を保っての生活だ

Examples

Example Sentences

お客様あっての商売だということを忘れてはいけない。

okyaku-samaatte no shōbai da to iu koto o wasurete wa ikenai.

We must not forget that business is possible only because of customers.

お客様 (customers) + あっての (because of) + 商売 (business) + だ (exist) + ということを (to remember) + 忘れてはいけない (must not forget)

健康あっての人生だ。

kenkōatte no jinsei da.

Life is possible only because of good health.

健康 (good health) + あっての (because of) + 人生 (life)

この優勝は、ファンの熱い声援あってのものだ。

kono yūshō wa, fan no atsui seienatte no mono da.

This victory is possible only because of the enthusiastic support of fans.

この優勝 (this victory) + は (is) + ファンの熱い声援 (enthusiastic support of fans) + あっての (because of) +もの (thing)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to emphasize the essential foundation or condition that N1 provides for N2. It is often used in formal or written language to convey a sense of dependence or reliance on N1 for the existence or possibility of N2. It can be compared to the pattern 'kara koso' which emphasizes the reason or cause rather than the existence.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using 'あっての' to express a simple cause-effect relationship

Using 'から' or 'ため' to express a simple cause-effect relationship

The pattern 'N1 + あっての + N2' emphasizes the essential foundation or condition that N1 provides for N2, whereas 'から' or 'ため' are used to express a simple cause-effect relationship.

Reversing the order of N1 and N2

Keeping the order of N1 + あっての + N2

The correct order is N1 + あっての + N2, not N2 + あっての + N1.

Confusing with 'kara koso' which emphasizes reason rather than existence

Using 'kara koso' to emphasize reason rather than existence

While both patterns can be used to express a relationship between two nouns, 'kara koso' emphasizes the reason or cause rather than the existence.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

In the JLPT N1 exam, this pattern is often used in reading comprehension questions to test the candidate's ability to understand the relationship between two nouns. The candidate should be able to identify the essential foundation or condition that N1 provides for N2 and understand the nuance of the pattern.

In context