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〜ともあろう

someone (of such standing) as

Noun (status) + ともあろう + 人 / 者 / 会社 + が

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ともあろう criticises someone for acting in a way unworthy of their position: 大臣ともあろう人が、そんな発言をするとは, "for a government minister, of all people, to make such a remark!".

The noun is a respected role: 大臣, 教師, 警察官, 医者, or a first-rate company. It's followed by 人, 者 or a similar noun, then が. The sentence usually ends with shock or disapproval: とは, なんて, 〜べきではない.

It's literally "someone who should be X", and you expect better from them. Compare ともなると, which just describes what's natural at a higher level.

Examples

  • 大臣だいじんともあろう人ひとが、そんな発言はつげんをするとは。

    For a government minister of all people to make such a remark!

  • 教師きょうしともあろう者ものが、生徒せいとに手てを上あげるなんて。

    For a teacher of all people to hit a student!

  • 警察官けいさつかんともあろう人ひとが、交通こうつうルールを守まもらないとは。

    For a police officer of all people not to follow the traffic rules!

  • 一流企業いちりゅうきぎょうともあろう会社かいしゃが、こんなミスをするとは。

    For a first-rate company like that to make such a mistake!

  • 医者いしゃともあろう人ひとが、たばこを吸すうなんて。

    For a doctor, of all people, to smoke!

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