も構わず
Without worrying about
Structure
［い］Adjective + の + も + かまわず
［な］Adjective + である + も(1) + かまわず
Noun + も(1) + かまわず
(1) にも
Explanation
The expression も構わず is formed by combining the particle も, the verb 構う (to be concerned about; to mind), and the classical negative auxiliary ず, which functions similarly to the modern ない. It is typically translated as 'regardless of (A), (B)' or 'paying no mind to (A), (B)'. This grammar point can follow verbs, い-adjectives, and な-adjectives (which must be preceded by の), or it can attach directly to nouns. For added emphasis, にも can be used in place of も.
- 弟はもうすぐ夕食だと聞いていたのも構わず、お菓子を全部食べてしまった。My little brother ate all the snacks, paying no mind to the fact that dinner was almost ready.
- その子は暑いにも構わず、公園で元気に走り回っている。Unconcerned by the heat, that child is running around energetically in the park.
- 彼は不便なのも構わず、毎日山の上にある家まで歩いて帰る。Without minding the inconvenience, he walks home to his house on the mountain every day.
- 彼らは人目も構わず、駅の前でキスをした。They kissed in front of the station, without a care for who was watching.
も構わず is primarily used to show that the subject is disregarding or unconcerned about the condition described in (A). The action in part (B) is performed without any consideration for (A), which would normally make someone hesitate. This nuance is derived from the verb 構う, meaning 'to be concerned about' or 'to mind'.
- 台風が近づいているという警報にも構わず、彼はサーフィンに出かけた。He went surfing, completely ignoring the warning that a typhoon was approaching.
Examples
雨もかまわず、子どもたちは外で遊び続けている。
Paying no mind to the rain, the children are continuing to play outside.
親の反対にもかまわず、彼は夢を追いかけて海外へ行った。
Regardless of his parents' opposition, he went abroad to chase his dream.
周りの騒音にもかまわず、彼は読書に集中していた。
Without paying any attention to the noise around him, he was focused on his reading.
服が汚れるのもかまわず、犬と泥んこになって遊んだ。
Without caring that my clothes would get dirty, I played in the mud with my dog.
少し熱があるにもかまわず、彼女は会社に行った。
She went to work without worrying about having a slight fever.
人目もかまわず、駅で大声で泣いてしまった。
Without worrying about people watching, I burst into tears at the station.
汗だくもかまわず、彼は満員電車に乗り込んだ。
Without caring that he was dripping with sweat, he got on the crowded train.
時間が遅いのもかまわず、友人に電話をかけてしまった。
Without thinking about how late it was, I ended up calling my friend.
校則もかまわず、彼は髪を金髪に染めた。
Disregarding the school rules, he dyed his hair blond.
危険の警告にもかまわず、その山に登る人が後を絶たない。
Ignoring the danger warnings, people just won't stop climbing that mountain.
環境への影響をかまわず、工場は排水を流し続けた。
The factory continued to discharge wastewater, disregarding the impact on the environment.
値段もかまわず、欲しいものを全部買ってしまった。
Without even looking at the prices, I ended up buying everything I wanted.