いかん〜ず
Regardless of (whatever … is), Irrespective of (whatever … is)
Structure
(1) によらず、を問わず
Explanation
When the noun いかん, which means 'circumstances' or 'details', is used with the classical negative form ず, it expresses the idea of 'regardless of (A), (B)' or 'irrespective of (A), (B)'. This construction is limited to three verbs: 関わらず (without relation to), によらず (not depending on), and を問わず (without questioning).
いかん〜ず is placed after a noun, which is connected using the particle の.
- 成績のいかんに関わらず、面接の結果だけで合否が決まります。Regardless of your grades, acceptance will be decided solely on the interview results.
- 応募者は、国籍のいかんによらず、日本語が話せることを条件とします。Applicants, regardless of nationality, are required to be able to speak Japanese.
- このイベントは年齢や性別のいかんを問わず、どなたでもご参加いただけます。Regardless of age or gender, anyone is welcome to join this event.
いかん〜ず is a formal expression typically used to state that (B) will happen no matter what (A) is, even if (A) is a factor that would normally influence the outcome. Due to this nuance, it can also be interpreted as 'without consideration for (A)'.
Examples
明日のお祭りは天気の如何を問わず、開催される予定です。
The festival tomorrow is scheduled to be held, regardless of the weather.
このボランティア活動は経験の有無如何を問わず、どなたでも参加できます。
Anyone can participate in this volunteer activity, irrespective of whether they have experience or not.
当社では、採用において性別如何を問わず、能力のある人材を求めています。
At our company, we are looking for capable individuals for hiring, regardless of gender.
金額の如何を問わず、皆様からのご寄付を心よりお待ちしております。
Irrespective of the amount, we sincerely look forward to receiving donations from everyone.
チャレンジすること自体が大切だから、結果の成否のいかんにかかわらず、後悔はないよ。
The challenge itself is what's important, so regardless of whether the result is a success or failure, I have no regrets.
このコミュニティは出身地の如何を問わず、誰でも歓迎します。
This community welcomes anyone, regardless of their place of origin.
腕前の如何を問わず、みんなで楽しくテニスをしましょう。
Let's all have fun playing tennis together, irrespective of skill level.
学生寮の規則：「理由のいかんによらず、門限を過ぎた場合は寮内に入れません。」
Student dorm regulations: 'For whatever reason, you will not be allowed to enter the dormitory after curfew.'
どのような事情のいかんにかかわらず、約束は守るべきだ。
No matter what the circumstances are, you should keep your promises.
この図書館は年齢の如何を問わず、地域住民なら誰でも利用できます。
This library can be used by any local resident, regardless of age.
我が社では学歴如何を問わず、実力とやる気のある人を歓迎します。
At our company, we welcome capable and motivated people, irrespective of their academic background.
ウェブサイトのお問い合わせフォーム：「こちらにご記入いただいた内容のいかんにかかわらず、返信には数日かかる場合がございます。」
Website inquiry form: 'Please note that it may take several days for us to reply, regardless of the content of your inquiry.'