たら〜たで
“If (it happens), then (there is a problem in that case too)” “Even if A happens, that situation has its own issue” → Used to express that no matter which situation occurs, there is still a problem, often implying resignation, frustration, or inevitability.
N1
Meaning
“If (it happens), then (there is a problem in that case too)” “Even if A happens, that situation has its own issue” → Used to express that no matter which situation occurs, there is still a problem, often implying resignation, frustration, or inevitability.
Formation
Verb (た-form) + ら 〜 Verb (た-form) + で
Explanation
たら〜たで is used when the speaker wants to say:
Situation A occurs → that causes a problem
Situation A does NOT occur → that also causes a problem
The speaker accepts that:
there is no ideal outcome
each case has its own difficulty
This grammar often carries a nuance of:
resignation
mild complaint
realistic acceptance
It is commonly used in:
daily explanations
reflective writing
spoken or semi-formal contexts
JLPT N1 reading passages
💡 Core nuance:
“Either way, it’s troublesome.”