とも〜とも

“Both … and … / Equally … and …” → Used to state that two items or situations are the same in nature or evaluation, often emphasizing that both share the same result, judgment, or status.

N1

Meaning

“Both … and … / Equally … and …” → Used to state that two items or situations are the same in nature or evaluation, often emphasizing that both share the same result, judgment, or status.

Formation

Noun A + とも 〜 Noun B + とも

Explanation

とも〜とも is used when the speaker wants to say that:

  • A and B are equally applicable

  • there is no distinction between them in the given context

  • the same rule, evaluation, or conclusion applies to both

It often appears in:

  • legal or official language

  • formal explanations

  • written arguments

  • JLPT N1 reading passages

The tone is objective and firm, not emotional.

💡 Core nuance:
“A and B alike fall under the same condition.”