Processing keyword: ～を問わず (〜wo towazu)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～を問わず (〜wo towazu)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～を問わず (〜wo towazu)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～を問わず (〜wo towazu) is used to indicate that something is not limited by a certain condition, category, or situation. It expresses the idea of "regardless of" or "without regard to."

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The expression ~を問わず indicates that the following action, situation, or quality is applicable regardless of certain criteria.
• Structure:
  • Noun + を問わず
  • This construction consists of a noun followed by the phrase を問わず, where を is the object marker and 問わず means "regardless" or "not questioning."

Formation Diagram

[Noun] + を問わず
              ↓
           + Action/Situation

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Grammar Point: ～に関わらず (〜ni kakawarazu)
  • Both expressions convey disregard for certain conditions, but ～を問わず typically emphasizes categorical or situational disregard, while ～に関わらず can refer more broadly to any context.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:
   • 日本では、年齢を問わず、誰でも選挙に参加できます。
   • In Japan, anyone can participate in elections regardless of age.
2. Informal Context:
   • このイベントは性別を問わず楽しめるよ！
   • This event is fun regardless of gender!
3. Written Context:
   • 地域を問わず、我々は支援を提供します。
   • We provide assistance regardless of the region.
4. Spoken Context:
   • 運動は年齢を問わず大事だと思う。
   • I think exercise is important regardless of age.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using ～を問わず shows inclusivity and equality, which are valued aspects of Japanese society. By using this expression, speakers convey respect for all individuals regardless of differing characteristics.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

This grammar point can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various discussions, from everyday conversations to formal speeches.

Idiomatic Expressions

Common phrases that utilize this grammatical structure include:

• 性別を問わず (seibetsu wo towazu) - regardless of gender
• 年齢を問わず (nenrei wo towazu) - regardless of age

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Misusing with the wrong noun form.
  • Incorrect: 昼食を問わず、会議をします。
  • Correct: 時間を問わず、会議をします。 (meeting will take place regardless of time)

Learning Strategies

A useful mnemonic to remember this grammar point:

• "問わず" sounds like "wa to wa su," think of it as "we question" when there's nothing to question — everything goes!

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The grammar point ～を問わず indicates that something is applicable regardless of certain conditions.
• Structure: [Noun] + を問わず + Action/Situation.
• It expresses inclusivity, making it relevant in many contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does the expression ～を問わず mean in English?
2. Which grammar point is similar to ～を問わず?
3. Provide an example sentence using 年齢を問わず.

Answers

1. It means "regardless of" or "without regard to."
2. The similar grammar point is ～に関わらず (〜ni kakawarazu).
3. (Any appropriate example using 年齢を問わず)