GRAMMAR
〜あっての
existing only because of
Explanation
NOTE
〜あっての means existing only because of — one thing can exist only thanks to another.
客あっての商売だ。
A business exists only because of its customers.
NOTE
It is formal and emphatic. The pattern stresses that without A, B could not exist at all.
努力あっての成功だ。
Success exists only because of effort.
Without effort, there would be no success at all.
NOTE
Attach あっての between two noun words. The result is N2 あっての N1 — N1 exists only thanks to N2.
STRUCTURE
N辞
あっての健康あっての仕事だ。
Kenkou atte no shigoto da.
Work exists only because of health.
家族あっての自分だと思う。
Kazoku atte no jibun da to omou.
I think I am who I am only because of my family.
読者あっての作家だ。
Dokusha atte no sakka da.
An author exists only because of readers.
Practice exercises
1
客あっての店だ。
A shop exists only because of its customers.
Answer
あっての
2
努力あっての成功だ。
Success exists only because of effort.
Answer
あっての
3
健康あっての毎日だ。
Each day exists only because of good health.
Answer
あっての
4
社会からの信用は、企業あっての存在であると心得るべきだ。
One should understand that the company's existence is only possible because of its credibility from society.
Answer
あっての
5
顧客の信頼を得るべく、努力する。成功は顧客あってのものです。
In order to gain customer trust, I strive. Success exists only because of the customer.
Answer
あっての
6
家族を守らんが為に、奮闘した。幸せは家族あってのものです。
He struggled in order to protect his family. His happiness exists only because of his family.
Answer
あっての
7
部長と約束した手前、今更断れない。成功は彼あってのものです。
Considering I promised the manager, I can't refuse now. Success exists only because of him.
Answer
あっての
8
長年の努力あっての達成は、何物にも代えがたい喜びがある。
Achievement that exists only because of years of effort brings irreplaceable joy.
Answer
あっての