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Regardless of
Definition
The grammar pattern 'N ＋ を問わず' is used to indicate that something applies regardless of differences in a particular category. This category is often represented by a noun that implies a range of options, such as age, gender, nationality, or skill level. The pattern is used to emphasize that the statement is true regardless of the specific details within that category. For example, 'このマラソン大会は、年齢や性別を問わず誰でも参加できます' means that anyone can participate in the marathon regardless of their age or gender.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | Noun + を問わず | 年齢を問わず |
| Noun (implying a range of options) | Noun + を問わず | 経験を問わず |
| Noun (representing a category) | Noun + を問わず | 性別を問わず |
Examples
このマラソン大会は、年齢や性別を問わず誰でも参加できます。
Kono marason taikai wa, nenrei ya seibetsu o to kudasai dare demo sankan dekiru.
Anyone can participate in this marathon regardless of age or gender.
このマラソン大会は (this marathon) + 年齢や性別を問わず (regardless of age or gender) + 誰でも (anyone) + 参加できます (can participate)
経験の有無を問わず、やる気のある方を募集します。
Keiken no aru nazo o to kudasai, yaruki no aru hō o bosshi masu.
We will recruit anyone with enthusiasm regardless of experience.
経験の有無を問わず (regardless of experience) + やる気のある方を (those with enthusiasm) + 募集します (will recruit)
昼夜を問わず工事が進められている。
Jūya o to kudasai kōji ga susunde imasu.
The construction work is being carried out regardless of day or night.
昼夜を問わず (regardless of day or night) + 工事が (construction work) + 進められている (is being carried out)
Context
This pattern is used in formal writing and is often seen in official documents, announcements, and instructions. It is used to emphasize that a particular statement or condition applies regardless of specific details. It is not typically used in casual conversation.
Watch out
The pattern 'を問わず' is used with nouns, while 'にかかわらず' is used with verbs. For example, '雨が降ることににかかわらず' (regardless of the rain) is correct, but '雨を問わず' is incorrect.
For example, '雨を問わず' is incorrect because '雨' doesn't represent a category, but '天候を問わず' is correct because '天候' implies a range of weather conditions.
For example, '年齢に問わず' is incorrect because it should be '年齢を問わず'.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use it with a noun that implies a range of options and to emphasize that a particular statement or condition applies regardless of specific details. Pay attention to the formation rules and common mistakes to avoid errors.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows N ＋ を問わず used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
このマラソン大会は、年齢や性別を問わず誰でも参加できます。
Pattern used: を問わず
'を問わず' is used for categorical exclusions like age and gender.
経験の有無を問わず、やる気のある方を募集します。
Pattern used: を問わず
Nouns with '有無' (existence/non-existence) are frequently used with 'を問わず'.
昼夜を問わず工事が進められている。
Pattern used: を問わず
'昼夜を問わず' is a set phrase meaning 'day and night / around the clock'.
Interactive
このマラソン大会は、年齢や性別______誰でも参加できます。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.