〜を問わず・をとわず

Regardless of...; Irrespective of...

1. Overview

「〜を問わず」 is a grammatical structure used to express that something applies regardless of or irrespective of certain conditions or factors. It is commonly used in formal settings such as announcements or official documents to indicate that certain conditions do not affect the outcome or decision.

2. Structure

1. Noun + を問わず
   This structure is attached to nouns to express that whatever comes before it does not influence or limit the situation described after.

3. Usage Explanation

1. Indicating Irrelevance
   「〜を問わず」 indicates that something is not influenced by or doesn't depend on certain factors, such as age, gender, nationality, or experience. It is commonly used in contexts like job advertisements, travel announcements, or any situation where inclusiveness is emphasized.

2. Meaning
   It can be translated as "regardless of," "irrespective of," or "without regard to."

4. Example Sentences

1. 年齢を問わず、誰でも参加できます。
   Anyone can participate, regardless of age.

2. 天候を問わず、試合は行われます。
   The game will take place regardless of the weather.

3. 経験を問わず、応募可能です。
   Applications are open, regardless of experience.

4. 性別を問わず、このプログラムに申し込めます。
   You can apply for this program, regardless of gender.

5. Key Points to Note

1. 「〜を問わず」 is often used in formal and inclusive contexts to emphasize that certain criteria do not limit participation or application.
2. It is frequently used with factors like age, gender, experience, nationality, or weather conditions.
3. This structure is often seen in job postings, public announcements, and promotional materials to show openness or inclusiveness.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜にかかわらず: Another way to express "regardless of," often used interchangeably with 「〜を問わず」 in formal contexts.
  Example: 「天気にかかわらず、試合は行います。」
  (The game will take place regardless of the weather.)

• 〜を関係なく: Also expresses "without relation to" or "without being affected by."
  Example: 「学歴を関係なく、採用します。」
  (We will hire regardless of educational background.)

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜に問わず: Though less commonly used, this form follows the same principle but is often seen in fixed expressions.
  Example: 「昼夜に問わず働けます。」
  (Can work regardless of day or night.)

• 〜もかまわず: Another way to express "without caring about" or "without regard to."
  Example: 「雨もかまわず、彼らはピクニックを続けました。」
  (They continued the picnic despite the rain.)

8. Summary

「〜を問わず」 is a formal expression that emphasizes inclusiveness or a disregard for specific factors. It is widely used in formal announcements to indicate that participation or actions are unaffected by certain criteria, such as age, gender, or experience.