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

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

1. Introduction

～を問わず (〜wo towazu) is a Japanese grammar point used to express "regardless of," "irrespective of," or "no matter." It indicates that a particular condition or factor does not affect the outcome or applicability of a situation.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• English Equivalents: "Regardless of...", "Irrespective of...", "No matter...", "Without regard to..."

Structure

The grammar point is formed by attaching を問わず to a noun.

Noun + を問わず

Formation Diagram

Noun	を問わず
性別	を問わず
経験の有無	を問わず
年齢	を問わず

Usage

• General Use: Indicates that the action or state that follows applies equally, regardless of the preceding noun.
• Formal Context: Commonly used in formal writing, announcements, advertisements, and official statements.

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3. Comparative Analysis

～に関わらず (〜ni kakawarazu)

• Meaning: "Regardless of...", similar to ～を問わず.
• Usage Difference:
  • ～を問わず is often used with oppositional pairs (e.g., 有無, 男女) or a range of categories.
  • ～に関わらず can be used with verbs and adjectives, not just nouns. Example:
• ～を問わず: 国籍を問わず応募できます。
  "You can apply regardless of nationality."
• ～に関わらず: 天候に関わらず大会は開催されます。
  "The tournament will take place regardless of the weather."

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal/Written Context
   • Japanese: このイベントは年齢を問わず参加できます。
   • English: "This event is open to participants regardless of age."
2. Informal/Spoken Context
   • Japanese: 彼は時間を問わず電話してくる。
   • English: "He calls me no matter the time."
3. Workplace Announcement
   • Japanese: 経験の有無を問わず、やる気のある方を募集します。
   • English: "We are recruiting motivated individuals regardless of experience."
4. Advertisement
   • Japanese: 性別を問わず、どなたでもご利用いただけます。
   • English: "Available for use by anyone, regardless of gender."
5. Academic Context
   • Japanese: この奨学金は専攻分野を問わず申請できます。
   • English: "This scholarship is open to applicants regardless of their field of study."

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• Formal Expression: ～を問わず is considered formal and is frequently used in official communications, advertisements, and formal statements.
• Not Common in Casual Speech: In everyday conversation, simpler expressions might be used.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 時間帯を問わず: "At any time," often used in services that are available 24/7.
  • Example: サポートは時間帯を問わずご利用いただけます。
    "Support is available at any time."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Attachment
   • Mistake: 問わず used with verbs or adjectives.
     • Wrong: 行くを問わず
     • Correct: 行くかどうかを問わず
2. Using in Casual Conversation
   • Overusing ～を問わず in informal settings where it may sound too stiff or formal.

Tips

• Remember it attaches to nouns: Only use ～を問わず after a noun.
• Think of Oppositional Pairs: It's commonly used with words like 有無 (existence or non-existence), 男女 (men and women), 内外 (inside and outside).

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～を問わず means "regardless of" and is used to indicate that something is applicable no matter the condition stated.
• It is a formal expression and primarily used in written language.
• Attach ～を問わず directly to a noun.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Form a sentence using ～を問わず with the noun "国籍" (nationality).
   • Answer: 国籍を問わず、誰でも参加できます。
     "Anyone can participate regardless of nationality."
2. Is ～を問わず suitable for casual conversation?
   • Answer: No, it is generally too formal for casual conversation.
3. Choose the correct usage of ～を問わず: a) 彼は理由を問わず遅刻した。
   b) 理由を問わず、彼は遅刻した。
   • Answer: b) 理由を問わず、彼は遅刻した。
     "He was late regardless of the reason."

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Feel free to revisit the examples and notes to reinforce your understanding of ～を問わず. Practice creating your own sentences to become more familiar with its usage!

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