conditional N1 uncommon written
とあっては — if it's the case that
とあっては
Builds on とあって
Meaning
- if it is (really) the case that ~ — given such a compelling circumstance, a particular response becomes unavoidable
Key sentence
恩師の頼みとあっては、断るわけにはいかない。
If it's a request from my old teacher, I simply can't refuse.
Formation
| Attaches to | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun or plain form | N／普通形 + とあっては |
Examples
子供が困っているとあっては、放っておけない。
If it's a case of a child in trouble, I can't just leave it be.
社長の命令とあっては、従うほかない。
If it's an order from the president, there's nothing to do but obey.
Easily confused with
とあって とあって states a circumstance and its natural result as fact. とあっては makes it conditional — 'if such is the case, then [I must / can't but] ~'. とあれば とあれば is a near-synonym ('if it's the case that ~, then'). とあっては leans toward an unavoidable obligation given the circumstance. 〜なら なら picks up any premise neutrally. とあっては marks a weighty circumstance that forces a response.
Notes
- The main clause is typically an obligation or impossibility (〜ないわけにはいかない／〜ほかない).
See とあっては in real sentences
Jengo shows とあっては the way you actually meet it: inside real Japanese sentences, so it sticks instead of staying an abstract rule.
Study it in JengoSources Compiled with reference to A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar.