〜ともあろう (for someone of one's standing to — indignation)
N1 grammar pattern 〜ともあろう: expressing indignation or disbelief that someone of high standing has done something unworthy of their position.
〜ともあろう
Formality Level: Formal / Literary — formal criticism, editorial writing, formal speech
Classical Origin: ともあろう derives from とも (inclusive particle と + も) + あろう (volitional/presumptive form of ある, "to be"). The literal meaning is something like "even for something that would be X" — implying that X sets a high standard that the subsequent action fails to meet. The pattern carries a strong evaluative charge: the speaker's expectation, set by the high status of X, has been violated.
Structure
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| Noun + ともあろう + 者/人が | 大臣ともあろう者が |
| Noun + ともあろう + (者/機関が) | 有名大学ともあろうところが |
Note: 〜ともあろう is almost always followed by 者 (mono, person) or a similar reference noun, then が, then the main clause describing the unworthy action.
Meaning
"For someone/something of the standing of X to [do unworthy action Y]..."
Expresses indignation, surprise, or disbelief that someone of the status, position, or calibre of X would do something that falls below the standards expected of such a person/institution.
Example Sentences
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| 一国の首相ともあろう者が、あのような軽率な発言をするとは信じられない。 | It is unbelievable that someone of the standing of a prime minister would make such a careless statement. |
| 百年の歴史を持つ企業ともあろうところが、顧客を欺くとは言語道断だ。 | For an institution with a hundred-year history to deceive its customers is absolutely outrageous. |
| 師範ともあろう方が、弟子に対してそのような仕打ちをするとは残念でなりません。 | It is deeply regrettable that someone of the standing of a master instructor would treat a disciple in such a manner. |
| 一流大学の教授ともあろう方が、基本的な事実を誤認するとは驚きだ。 | It is surprising that someone of the standing of a professor at a prestigious university would misunderstand such basic facts. |
| 著名な評論家ともあろう者が、出典も確認せずに断言するとは失望した。 | I am disappointed that someone of the standing of a prominent critic would make assertions without verifying their sources. |
Comparison with N2 Equivalent
| Pattern | Register | Meaning | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 〜ともあろう | Formal | Indignation at high-status person's unworthy act | Specifically requires HIGH-STATUS subject; expresses speaker's violated expectation |
| 〜ともなれば | Formal | When it comes to the level of X | General statement about consequences at that level; no negative emotional charge |
| 〜のくせに | Casual/critical | Even though X (criticism) | Casual; can be used for low-status subjects; more colloquial criticism |
| 〜というのに | Semi-formal | Even though X (contrast) | Neutral contrast; no indignation |
When NOT to Use
- X must be a high-status, respected entity: ❌ 普通の会社員ともあろう者が (wrong — ordinary employees don't carry the status expectation). The pattern requires X to be genuinely impressive or highly positioned.
- Do not use to express positive surprise: ともあろう expresses negative surprise/indignation. For positive surprise ("even X managed to achieve Y"), use 〜ですら/〜すら.
- Do not use in casual conversation: Too formal and literary for everyday speech.