JLPT N1 Grammar
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Despite being someone who is; for someone of such stature
Category: Social Status and Roles
The grammar pattern ～ともあろうものが is used to express surprise, disappointment, or criticism when someone in a high position or respected role does something unexpected or makes a careless mistake. It implies 'How could someone like you...?' The speaker is expressing disbelief or shock at the person's actions, often because they are not living up to their expected standards or reputation. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of disappointment or disillusionment with someone who has let themselves or others down.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun or title (e.g. professor, president) | ～ともあろうものが [verb form]... | 大学教授ともあろうものが、初歩的な漢字を書き間違えるとは信じられない。 |
| Noun or title (e.g. president, CEO) | ～ともあろうものが [verb form]... | 大企業の社長ともあろうものが、自社の不祥事を知らなかったでは済まされないだろう。 |
| Noun or title (e.g. chef, professional) | ～ともあろうものが [verb form]... | 一流のプロの料理人ともあろうものが、賞味期限切れの食材を使うなど、あってはならないことだ。 |
大学教授ともあろうものが、このような初歩的な漢字を書き間違えるとは信じられない。
Daigaku kyōju tomo arō mono ga, kono yō na shōtenka no kanji o kaki majiru to wa shinjirarenai.
A professor of such stature would not make such a basic mistake.
大学教授 (a professor of such stature) ともあろうものが (would not make such a mistake) このような (such a) 初歩的な (basic) 漢字を (to write) 書き間違えるとは (mistake) 信じられない (cannot believe)
大企業の社長ともあろうものが、自社の不祥事を知らなかったでは済まされないだろう。
Dai kigyō no shachō tomo arō mono ga, jissha no fushōji o shirinakatta de wa sumasarenai darō.
The president of such a large company would not be excused for not knowing about the scandal.
大企業の (such a large company) 社長 (president) ともあろうものが (would not be excused) 自社の (the company's) 不祥事 (scandal) を (to know) 知らなかった (did not know) では (then)済まされない (would not be excused)
一流のプロの料理人ともあろうものが、賞味期限切れの食材を使うなど、あってはならないことだ。
Ichirui no puro no ryōrijin tomo arō mono ga, shōmi kigen kire no shokuzai o tsukau nado, atte wa naranai koto da.
A professional chef of such caliber would not use expired ingredients.
一流の (such a high level) プロの (professional) 料理人 (chef) ともあろうものが (would not use) 賞味期限切れ (expired) の (ingredients) 食材 (ingredients) を (to use) 使う (use) など (etc.) あっては (cannot) ならない (must not)ことだ (it is)
This pattern is used to express surprise, disappointment, or criticism when someone in a high position or respected role does something unexpected or makes a careless mistake. It is often used in formal or professional settings, and is typically used to address someone who has let themselves or others down. It is not used to praise or compliment someone.
～ともあろうものが is used to express surprise or criticism, not praise. Using it to praise someone would be incorrect and confusing.
～たるもの is used to express a sense of 'should be' or 'ought to be', while ～ともあろうものが is used to express a sense of 'how could you...?' or 'it's unbelievable that you...'.
～ともあろうものが is used to express surprise or criticism, not to express a positive or neutral outcome. Using it with a positive or neutral outcome would be incorrect and confusing.
When using ～ともあろうものが in the JLPT exam, be sure to use it to express surprise or criticism, and not to praise or compliment someone. Also, be careful not to confuse it with ～たるもの or use it with a positive or neutral outcome.
大学教授______、このような初歩的な漢字を書き間違えるとは信じられない。
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