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Formation: V-volitional (〜よう／〜おう) + が／と; い-adj: 〜かろう + が／と; な-adj / N: 〜だろう or 〜であろう + が／と; often with どんなに, 何を, 誰が, いくら

Says that whatever happens in the first clause, the main clause stays the same; it often shows firm resolve or a defiant, 'I don't care' attitude. It is fairly formal and emphatic, used in writing and in strong speech, and is often paired with a question word or two contrasting options (〜ようが〜ようが). The main clause states something that will not change, such as a decision, a fact or the speaker's will. Compare たとえ〜ても, which is the neutral everyday way to say 'even if'; 〜であれ／であろうと, used mainly with nouns; and 〜にしろ／にせよ, which is less emphatic. 〜ようとも is a more literary version.

Variants: 〜ようと、〜ようとも、〜かろうが／かろうと、〜だろうが／であろうと

Examples

• 誰に何を言われようが、私は自分の道を進む。
  Whatever anyone says to me, I will follow my own path.
• どんなに高かろうと、必要なものは買うしかない。
  No matter how expensive it is, if we need it, we have to buy it.
• 相手が社長だろうが、間違いは間違いだ。
  Even if it is the company president, a mistake is a mistake.

In real texts 0 occurrence(s)

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