Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
~もかまわず (〜mo kamawazu)

~もかまわず (〜mo kamawazu)

Short explanation:

Express indifference or disregard; 'without hesitating', 'without worrying about'.

Formation:

Verb-dictionary form + もかまわず, Noun + もかまわず

Examples:

彼は周りの人もかまわず、大声で話しました。
Kare wa mawari no hito mo kamawazu, oogoe de hanashimashita.
Without worrying about the people around him, he talked loudly.
彼女は時間もかまわず、ゆっくりと本を読み続けました。
Kanojo wa jikan mo kamawazu, yukkuri to hon wo yomitsuzukemashita.
She continued reading the book leisurely, without worrying about the time.
彼は寒さもかまわず、外で運動しました。
Kare wa samusa mo kamawazu, soto de undou shimashita.
He exercised outside without worrying about the cold.
彼女は危険もかまわず、火事の中に飛び込んで助けに行きました。
Kanojo wa kiken mo kamawazu, kaji no naka ni tobikonde tasuke ni ikimashita.
She jumped into the fire without worrying about the danger to help.

Long explanation:

The ~もかまわず grammar point is used to express indifference or disregard, showing that someone does something without worrying or thinking about the consequences. It can be translated as 'without hesitating' or 'without worrying about' in English. It is attached to either nouns or verbs in their dictionary form.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~もかまわず (〜mo kamawazu)

Japanese Grammar Point: ~もかまわず (〜mo kamawazu)

~もかまわず (〜mo kamawazu)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~もかまわず (〜mo kamawazu) is used in Japanese to express the idea of doing something without caring about, without worrying about, or regardless of certain circumstances or considerations. It highlights an action taken without concern for something that would typically warrant attention or caution.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • English Equivalent: Without caring about ~; Regardless of ~; Without worrying about ~
  • Function: Indicates that an action is performed without concern for a particular factor or situation.

Structure

The structure involves attaching ~もかまわず to a noun, verb in dictionary form, or verb in the て-form. It emphasizes that the action is done without regard to the preceding element.

Formation Diagram

Form Usage
Noun + もかまわず 交通規則もかまわず
Verb (Dictionary Form) + + もかまわず 行くのもかまわず
Verb (て-form) + もかまわず 泣いてもかまわず

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Expressions

Grammar Point Meaning Nuance Difference
~もかまわず Doing something without caring about ~ Neutral tone, focuses on lack of concern for a specific factor
~を気にせずに Without minding ~ Similar meaning, but can suggest a conscious effort to ignore something
~にかかわらず Regardless of ~ Indicates that something is true or will happen regardless of conditions

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

  1. 彼は雨が降っているのもかまわず**、出かけていった。
    Kare wa ame ga futte iru no mo kamawazu, dekakete itta.
    He went out without caring that it was raining.
  2. 周りの人の目もかまわず**、彼女は大声で歌い始めた。
    Mawari no hito no me mo kamawazu, kanojo wa oogoe de utai hajimeta.
    She started singing loudly without worrying about others watching.
  3. 彼はけがもかまわず**、サッカーの試合に出場した。
    Kare wa kega mo kamawazu, sakkaa no shiai ni shutsujou shita.
    He participated in the soccer match despite his injury.
  4. 遅刻もかまわず**、ゆっくり朝食をとった。
    Chikoku mo kamawazu, yukkuri choushoku o totta.
    I leisurely had breakfast without worrying about being late.
  5. 汚れるのもかまわず**、子供たちは泥遊びを楽しんでいる。
    Yogoreru no mo kamawazu, kodomotachi wa doro asobi o tanoshinde iru.
    The children are enjoying playing in the mud without caring about getting dirty.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, consideration for others and attention to social norms are highly valued. Using ~もかまわず indicates a deliberate disregard for these norms or expectations, which can be seen as bold or even impolite depending on the context. It often highlights actions that go against expected behavior.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 人目もかまわず
    Hitome mo kamawazu
    Without worrying about being seen by others; In public without concern

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Incorrect Structure Usage:
    Using the wrong verb form before ~もかまわず.
    • 走るもかまわず
      Incorrect because the verb "走る" should be in the dictionary form with "の" or in the て-form.
    • ✔️ 走るのもかまわず / 走ってもかまわず

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device:
    Remember that (also) + かまわず (without caring) = also without caring about ~.
  • Practice Forming Sentences:
    Create your own sentences using nouns and verbs you are familiar with to become comfortable with the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~もかまわず is used to express doing something without concern for a particular factor.
  • It attaches to nouns and verbs (dictionary form + の, or て-form).
  • It conveys a sense of disregarding social norms or expected considerations.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you say "She left without caring about the time" using ~もかまわず? Answer:
    時間もかまわず、彼女は出かけた。
    Jikan mo kamawazu, kanojo wa dekaketa.
  2. What is a common mistake when using ~もかまわず? Answer:
    Using the incorrect verb form before ~もかまわず, such as not adding "の" after a dictionary form verb.

Feel free to refer back to this guide as you practice using ~もかまわず in your own sentences!

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