～ようと・～ようが

• Reading: ようと・ようが
• Romaji: you to / you ga
• Formation: Verb volitional form + と/が / い-Adj かろう + と/が

Meaning

A concessive conjunction meaning 'no matter how' or 'even if.' It expresses that the result remains unchanged regardless of the extreme condition described.

ようと and ようが are interchangeable concessive forms built on the volitional ending. The volitional form here does not express intention but rather an extreme hypothetical pushed to its limit. This pattern frequently appears with interrogative words like どんなに, いくら, and たとえ to strengthen the unconditional meaning. For い-adjectives, the concessive volitional form is かろうと or かろうが. The main clause typically contains expressions of strong determination, inevitability, or indifference. While similar to ても, ようと/ようが carries a stronger sense of defiance or resolve and belongs to a more formal register. Learners often mistakenly use the dictionary form instead of the volitional form with this pattern.

Examples

1. 周囲にどう思われようと、自分の信念を貫き通すつもりだ。 No matter what others may think, I intend to stay true to my convictions.
2. どれほど努力しようが、結果が伴わなければ評価されない現実がある。 No matter how hard one tries, there is a reality where results must follow to earn recognition.
3. たとえ世間の常識に反しようと、科学的根拠に基づいた判断を優先する。 Even if it goes against common wisdom, I prioritise decisions based on scientific evidence.

Usage Guide

Context: written, spoken, formal speech

Tone: resolute

Do Say

• 何を言われようと、方針を変更する気はない。
• どんなに批判されようが、信じた道を歩み続ける。
• たとえ時間がかかろうと、丁寧に仕上げることを優先したい。

Don't Say

• 周囲にどう思われてようと、自分の信念を貫く。(Using て-form 思われて instead of volitional form 思われよう — ようと/ようが requires the volitional form) → 周囲にどう思われようと、自分の信念を貫く。
• どれほど難しいようが、諦めるわけにはいかない。(Using い-adjective plain form with ようが — い-adjectives require the concessive volitional form かろうが, so 難しかろうが is correct) → どれほど難しかろうが、諦めるわけにはいかない。

Origin & History

Combines the volitional auxiliary よう with the particles と or が. The volitional form here derives from classical Japanese where the presumptive-volitional served concessive functions when followed by particles of contrast.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal