かれ～かれ (kare-kare): Whether ... or; sooner or later
～かれ～かれ (kare-kare)
Meaning
Whether ... or; sooner or later
Formation and usage
い-adjective stem + かれ + opposite stem + かれ
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Mainly used in established opposite pairs such as sooner or later and more or less, not freely combined adjectives.
Examples
遅かれ早かれ、本当のことは分かる。
Sooner or later, the truth will come out.
誰でも多かれ少なかれ、不安を抱えている。
Everyone has worries to some extent.
よかれ悪しかれ、この決定は町を変えるだろう。
For better or worse, this decision will change the town.
大かれ小さかれ、どんな変化にも影響はある。
Every change has an effect, whether large or small.
遅かれ早かれ、計画を見直す必要が出てくる。
Sooner or later, the plan will need to be reviewed.
How related patterns differ
ながらに and かれ～かれ commonly occur in fixed combinations, not free attachments. こそすれ emphasizes one direction and denies the opposite. を込めて puts feeling into an action; であれ keeps a conclusion regardless of a condition.