につけ～につけWhether one occasion or another
につけ～につけ presents two contrasting or parallel cues and says that the same thought, feeling, or reaction arises with either one. It is especially natural in reflective writing.
Typical pairings
The pair may contrast emotional states or outcomes, or it may join parallel ways of perceiving something.
喜びにつけ悲しみにつけ、人は誰かと気持ちを分かち合いたいものだ。
In joy or in sorrow, people naturally want to share their feelings with someone.
Analyze旧友の姿を見るにつけ、その声を聞くにつけ、共に過ごした日々がよみがえる。
Whether I see my old friend or hear that familiar voice, the days we spent together come flooding back.
Analyze成功につけ失敗につけ、挑戦した経験には必ず学ぶべきことがある。
Whether the result is success or failure, there is always something to learn from having taken on the challenge.
AnalyzeChoosing a natural pair
Choose two cues that belong together: positive and negative outcomes, opposite feelings, or parallel perceptions such as seeing and hearing. The construction is grammatically possible with many expressions, but it sounds most natural when the relationship between the pair and the shared reaction is immediately clear.
Reflective association versus routine recurrence
につけ～につけ pairs two cues with one associative or reflective response. By contrast, たびに neutrally means “every time” and is better for a regularly repeated result.
この機械はボタンを押すたびに、記録が更新される。
Every time the button on this machine is pressed, the record is updated.
AnalyzeThis describes routine recurrence, not an emotional or reflective association.
More examples
故郷からの便りは、良い知らせにつけ悪い知らせにつけ、離れて暮らす家族への思いを強くする。
Any news from home, good or bad, deepens my feelings for the family living far away.
Analyzeうれしいにつけ悲しいにつけ、彼女は母からもらった言葉を思い出す。
Whether she is happy or sad, she remembers the words her mother gave her.
Analyze賛成意見につけ反対意見につけ、若者の政治への関心の高まりが感じられた。
In both the supporting and opposing views, one could sense young people's growing interest in politics.
Analyze勝利につけ敗北につけ、監督は選手たちの成長を静かに見守ってきた。
Through victory and defeat alike, the coach has quietly watched the players grow.
Analyze古い手紙を読むにつけ、当時の写真を見るにつけ、祖父の穏やかな笑顔が目に浮かぶ。
Whether I read the old letters or look at photographs from that time, my grandfather's gentle smile comes to mind.
Analyze