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JLPT N1Grammar
~ともあろう

of all people, despite being

Advanced
25-30 min
rare
Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses disappointment or surprise about someone's behavior given their status.

Formation

[Noun] + ともあろう + [Noun] + が

Examples

先生ともあろう人が、そんな間違いをするなんて。

Sensei to mo arou hito ga, sonna machigai wo suru nante.

For a teacher of all people to make such a mistake.

社長ともあろう者がそんなことを言うとは。

Shachou to mo arou mono ga sonna koto wo iu to wa.

For a company president to say such a thing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Always expresses criticism or surprise.

Study Tips

Memory Aids

  • ともあろう = even being → of all people

Practice Tips

Used for criticism of high-status people.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated:

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