N2Condition & Hypothesis

Plain form + にしろ / にせよ

Q: Is "Mixing up 'ni shiro' with 'ni shite mo'" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'ni shiro' for emphasizing the inevitability or certainty of a situation, and 'ni shite mo' for emphasizing the possibility or potentiality of a situation.". The key difference between the two patterns is the nuance of the situation being described. 'Ni shiro' emphasizes the inevitability or certainty of a situation, while 'ni shite mo' emphasizes the possibility or potentiality of a situation.

Q: Is "Incorrectly using 'ni shiro' for a reason rather than a condition" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'ni shiro' to describe a condition or situation, not a reason or explanation.". The pattern 'ni shiro' is used to describe a condition or situation, not a reason or explanation. If you want to describe a reason or explanation, use a different pattern, such as 'kara' or 'nara.'

Q: Is "Confusing 'ni seyo' (formal) with 'ni suru' (to decide)" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'ni seyo' for emphasizing the inevitability or certainty of a situation, and 'ni suru' for describing the act of deciding or choosing.". The key difference between the two patterns is the nuance of the situation being described. 'Ni seyo' emphasizes the inevitability or certainty of a situation, while 'ni suru' describes the act of deciding or choosing.

Even if; regardless of

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "Plain form + にしろ / にせよ" is used to express that even if a certain situation is true, or regardless of which case is chosen, the following statement or judgment remains the same. This pattern emphasizes the inevitability or certainty of a situation, often used in formal or polite language. It can be translated to English as "even if," "regardless of," or "no matter what."

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Plain form of verb (base form)	Verb + にしろ / にせよ	行くにしろ行かないにせよ、返事は早く出してください。
Plain form of verb (base form)	Verb + にしろ / にせよ (with negative verb)	忙しいにしろ、連絡をくれるべきだ。
Plain form of verb (base form)	Verb + にしろ / にせよ (with polite verb)	冗談にしろ、そんなひどいことを言ってはいけない。

Examples

Example Sentences

忙しいにしろ、連絡をくれるべきだ。

Isogashii ni shiro, renraku o kureru beki da.

Even if you're busy, you should make contact.

Isogashii (busy) + ni shiro (even if) + kureru beki da (should make contact)

冗談にしろ、そんなひどいことを言ってはいけない。

Jōdan ni shiro, sono hidoi koto o itte wa ikemasen.

Even if it's a joke, you shouldn't say such a harsh thing.

Jōdan (joke) + ni shiro (even if) + itte wa ikemasen (shouldn't say)

行くにしろ行かないにせよ、返事は早く出してください。

Iku ni shiro ikana ni seyo, kaetari wa hayaku dete kudasai.

Even if you go or don't go, please respond quickly.

Iku (go) + ni shiro (even if) + ikana (don't go) + ni seyo (even if) + kaetari (response) + wa hayaku (quickly) + dete kudasai (please respond)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used in formal or polite language to emphasize the inevitability or certainty of a situation. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including business, education, and social situations. Be careful not to mix it up with other similar patterns, such as "ni shite mo" or "ni suru."

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Mixing up 'ni shiro' with 'ni shite mo'

Use 'ni shiro' for emphasizing the inevitability or certainty of a situation, and 'ni shite mo' for emphasizing the possibility or potentiality of a situation.

The key difference between the two patterns is the nuance of the situation being described. 'Ni shiro' emphasizes the inevitability or certainty of a situation, while 'ni shite mo' emphasizes the possibility or potentiality of a situation.

Incorrectly using 'ni shiro' for a reason rather than a condition

Use 'ni shiro' to describe a condition or situation, not a reason or explanation.

The pattern 'ni shiro' is used to describe a condition or situation, not a reason or explanation. If you want to describe a reason or explanation, use a different pattern, such as 'kara' or 'nara.'

Confusing 'ni seyo' (formal) with 'ni suru' (to decide)

Use 'ni seyo' for emphasizing the inevitability or certainty of a situation, and 'ni suru' for describing the act of deciding or choosing.

The key difference between the two patterns is the nuance of the situation being described. 'Ni seyo' emphasizes the inevitability or certainty of a situation, while 'ni suru' describes the act of deciding or choosing.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using the pattern 'ni shiro / ni seyo' in the JLPT exam, be careful to use the correct nuance and context. Make sure to understand the difference between 'ni shiro' and 'ni shite mo,' and use the correct pattern to describe the situation being described.

In context