Whether it's ~ or ~
「〜といわず〜といわず」 is a grammatical structure used to list two or more things and indicate that no matter which item is mentioned, all share the same characteristics or conditions. It is often used to describe a situation where the entire thing or context is affected, without exception.
Connecting Nouns: This grammar connects two nouns to express that both things or areas share a particular condition or state. It conveys the idea of "whether it's A or B."
Emphasizing Wholeness: By listing two or more nouns, it emphasizes that the described phenomenon applies to the whole, not just part of it.
手といわず足といわず、全身が泥だらけになった。
Whether it's the hands or the feet, the whole body was covered in mud.
休日といわず平日といわず、この店はいつも混んでいる。
Whether it's a holiday or a weekday, this store is always crowded.
夏休みといわず冬休みといわず、彼はいつも勉強している。
Whether it's summer vacation or winter vacation, he is always studying.
彼は顔といわず手といわず、傷だらけだった。
Whether it's his face or his hands, he was covered in injuries.
彼女は昼といわず夜といわず、ずっと働いている。
Whether it's day or night, she is always working.
Listing and Emphasizing: 「〜といわず〜といわず」 not only lists two things but emphasizes that both share the same condition or state without exception.
Commonly Used in Negative Situations: This structure is frequently used to describe negative situations such as messiness, fatigue, or injury.