あっての (atteno) Japanese meaning

Meanings

1

noun-modifying (irregular)

only possible because of; owes everything to; can exist only thanks to

A fixed pattern: XあってのY means Y is only possible or meaningful because X exists. It emphasizes that X is the indispensable foundation for Y. Often used in set phrases like 命あっての物種.

お客きゃく様さまあっての商しょう売ばいです。
Our business exists only because of our customers.
健けん康こうあっての幸しあわせだ。
Happiness is only possible with good health.

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Usage patterns

〈事こと〉あっての〈事こと〉Y is only possible because of X
家か族ぞくあっての幸しあわせだと思おもう。
I think happiness is only possible because of my family.
〈人ひと〉あっての〈事こと〉Y exists only thanks to X (a person)
お客きゃく様さまあっての商しょう売ばいです。
Our business exists only because of our customers.

Expressions

命いのちあっての物もの種だねwhile there is life, there is hope; don't waste your life