8

From what I can tell they both mean "Because of", and the only differences in meaning I can see seem to be very subtle.

あっての:

とあって:

As far as I can tell, the only difference is that あっての proceeds and follows a noun, while とあって can proceed and follow a sentence. Is there some other difference between these?

Improve this question
1
  • For posterity: since asking this question I've found another tricky one: にあって. Fortunately there is a big difference in meaning for this one; due to, during X time/situation, under the circumstances of _____
    – silvermaple
    Commented Aug 13, 2012 at 21:36

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
5

Firstly, they are grammatically different. With あっての, both A and B have to be noun phrases, and the result is a noun phrase. With とあって, A can be a noun phrase or a clause, and B has to be a clause, the result being a clause.

Secondly, the focus is different. あっての emphasizes that B could not be without A, whereas this connection is weaker with とあって. With とあって, B tends to be the main point which the speaker is trying to get across, and A is added as extra explanation.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .