を問わず
Regardless of, Whether or not, No matter, With or without
Structure
Noun (A) + 、(1) + Noun (B) + を問わず(5)
A(2) + か + B(2) + か + を問わず(5)
A(3) + (Antonym) A(3) + を問わず(5)
A(2) + かどうか(4) + を問わず(5)
A(2) + A［ない］(2) + を問わず(5)
(1) ・、と、や
(2) Noun、 ［な］Adjective、 ［い］Adjective、 Verb
(3) ［い］Adjective、［な］Adjective
(4) か否か
(5) を問わない。
Explanation
The grammar pattern を問わず combines the verb 問う, meaning 'to ask', with the classical negative form ず (equivalent to ない). Its literal translation is 'not asking (A)', but it is used in formal contexts to mean 'regardless of (A)', 'irrespective of (A)', or 'no matter (A)'. It indicates that (A) is not a condition or a limiting factor for (B).
This expression most commonly attaches to nouns. It can also follow question-forming particles like か or かどうか when presenting alternatives. The particle を is used to mark the item that is not being considered.
- 経験や年齢を問わず、この仕事には誰でも応募できます。Anyone can apply for this job, regardless of experience or age.
- 男性か女性かを問わず、このトイレはどなたでもご利用いただけます。Whether you are male or female, anyone is welcome to use this restroom.
- コンテストに参加するかどうかを問わず、登録したい方はこちらの用紙に記入してください。Please fill out this form if you wish to register, whether you ultimately participate in the contest or not.
The particle は can be used in place of を before 問わず. Using は highlights the preceding word for contrast and adds a slight degree of emphasis to the overall statement.
- 結果はどうかは問わず、最後まで頑張ることが大切です。It's important to try your best until the very end, regardless of the outcome.
Caution
While を問わず is often equivalent to 'regardless', it can sometimes imply 'covering the whole range of (A)'. This nuance is especially clear when (A) represents a scope or a set of categories. Let's look at a comparison between を問わず and the similar grammar point に関わらず to better understand this distinction.
- この商品は国内外を問わず、人気があります。Whether at home or abroad, this product is popular.
- この商品は国内外に関わらず、人気があります。Regardless of whether it is at home or abroad, this product is popular.
Examples
このボランティアには、年齢や性別を問わず、どなたでも参加できます。
Anyone can join this volunteer activity, regardless of age or gender.
このレストランは昼夜を問わず、いつもお客さんでいっぱいです。
This restaurant is always full of customers, regardless of whether it's day or night.
経験の有無を問わず、やる気のある方を募集しています。
We are looking for motivated individuals, (regardless of) whether they have experience or not.
晴れか雨かを問わず、試合は行われます。
(Regardless of) whether it's sunny or rainy, the match will be held.
参加するしないを問わず、来週までに返事をください。
(Regardless of) whether you will participate or not, please give us your answer by next week.
このコンテストには、国籍を問わず誰でも応募できます。
Anyone can apply for this contest, regardless of their nationality.
プロ・アマを問わず、音楽が好きな人なら大歓迎です。
Whether you are a professional or an amateur, if you like music, you are more than welcome. (regardless of)
行く行かないは問わず、早めに連絡がほしい。
Whether or not you're going, I'd like you to contact me soon. (regardless)
この奨学金は成績を問わず申し込める。
You can apply for this scholarship regardless of your grades. (no matter)
理由が何であるかは問わず、遅刻は許されません。
Regardless of the reason, being late is not permitted. (no matter what)
会員であるか否かを問わず、このエリアへの立ち入りは禁止です。
(Regardless of) whether you are a member or not, entry to this area is prohibited.
和食か洋食かを問わず、おいしいものなら何でも食べます。
Whether it's Japanese food or Western food, I'll eat anything as long as it's delicious.