What it means
AかれBかれ means “whether A or B” or “regardless of whether something is A or B.” It is formed by attaching かれ to the stem of an い-adjective, usually in a fixed or rhetorical pair such as 遅かれ早かれ. The expression presents two contrasting possibilities as equally covered by the statement that follows. It is mainly used in formal, written, or deliberate language.
Usage note
AかれBかれ is not normally formed freely with arbitrary adjectives, and many examples are established pairs. Do not confuse it with であれ, which can follow nouns and な-adjectives and has a broader attachment pattern.
How to use it
遅かれ早かれ、計画は成功します。
Sooner or later, the plan will succeed.
遅かれ早かれ、計画は成功する。
Sooner or later, the plan will succeed.
Example sentences
遅かれ早かれ、老朽化した橋は架け替えなければならない。
Sooner or later, the aging bridge will have to be replaced.
良かれ悪しかれ、人工知能の普及は働き方を変えるだろう。
Whether for better or worse, the spread of artificial intelligence is likely to change how we work.
多かれ少