Posted inN2 Grammar

JLPT N2 Grammar: 「〜にかかわらず」– Expressing Decisions Regardless of Conditions

Posted inN2 Grammar
Japanese Grammar Template
Meaning & Usage

✨ Basic Meaning

“Regardless of,” “irrespective of,” “without regard to.” It means that a certain condition, factor, or situation does not influence or change the outcome, decision, or state.

🎯 Primary Function

To emphasize that an action, rule, or decision applies universally or remains constant, irrespective of varying conditions or specific details.

📋 Grammar Structure

[名詞 (Noun)] + にかかわらず / [動詞の辞書形 (Verb dictionary form)] + にかかわらず

🎭 Usage Contexts

🏢 Formal Situations

Frequently used in formal announcements, official statements, business contexts, and public addresses.

😊 Informal Situations

Rarely used in casual conversation; it would sound overly stiff.

✍️ Written Language

Very common in written Japanese, such as news articles, official documents, legal texts, reports, and academic papers.

🗣️ Spoken Language

Used in formal speeches, presentations, and when stating universal rules or policies.

💡 Common Applications

Universal Application
To state that something applies to everyone, regardless of a specific attribute.
Example: このサービスは年齢にかかわらず、誰でも利用できます。(This service is available to anyone, regardless of age.)
Unwavering Decision/Outcome
To express that an event or decision will proceed irrespective of a condition.
Example: 天気にかかわらず、明日のイベントは開催されます。(Regardless of the weather, tomorrow’s event will be held.)
Lack of Influence
To indicate that a factor has no bearing on an action or state.
Example: 結果にかかわらず、最善を尽くします。(Regardless of the outcome, I will do my best.)
📊
Frequency
Medium-high in formal and written contexts; low in daily informal conversation.
🎚️
Difficulty
N2. The concept itself is straightforward, but its formal nuance and subtle differences from similar grammar points require careful attention.
Example Sentences
性別にかかわらず、応募資格があります。
Regardless of gender, there are eligibility requirements for application.
この図書館は、国籍にかかわらず誰でも利用できます。
This library can be used by anyone, regardless of nationality.
彼は結果にかかわらず、常に前向きだ。
He is always positive, regardless of the outcome.
天候にかかわらず、試合は予定通り行われます。
The match will take place as scheduled, regardless of the weather.
性別にかかわらず、平等に扱われるべきだ。
Everyone should be treated equally, regardless of gender.
Notes & Nuances

📌 Important Points

Formality
「〜にかかわらず」 is a formal expression. Avoid using it in casual conversations.
Example:
Scope
It indicates that a condition or factor has no bearing on the outcome. The result is constant despite variations in the stated condition.
Example:

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Confusing with 「〜にもかかわらず」
✅ 雨にかかわらず、イベントは開催される。(Regardless of the rain, the event will be held.)
The key is the influence. If the condition doesn’t influence, use にかかわらず. If it does or provides a contrast, use にもかかわらず. 「〜にもかかわらず」 means “despite” or “although,” indicating a contrary or unexpected result. 「〜にかかわらず」 means “regardless of,” indicating no influence.
❌ Using with inappropriate verbs/adjectives
✅ While grammatically possible with verb plain forms, it is most natural and common with nouns or noun-like phrases.

🏛️ Cultural Context

Politeness Level: High. It is a polite and formal expression.
Social Situations: Used in professional settings, official announcements, academic discussions, and formal writing where clear, unambiguous statements are required. Not for personal or casual exchanges.
Regional Variations: No significant regional variations for this grammar pattern.

🔍 Subtle Differences

〜にかかわらず vs. 〜を問わず
Both mean “regardless of” and are largely interchangeable in many contexts, especially when talking about conditions like age, gender, nationality. 「〜を問わず」literally means “without asking/questioning.” It often implies that something is open to everyone without discrimination. 「〜にかかわらず」is a bit broader, simply stating that something is unaffected by a condition.
When to use: Use 「〜を問わず」when emphasizing non-discrimination or universal acceptance (e.g., 経験を問わず、応募できます – You can apply regardless of experience). Use 「〜にかかわらず」when stating a condition has no bearing on an outcome (e.g., 天候にかかわらず、試合は行われる – The game will be held regardless of the weather).
〜にかかわらず vs. 〜にもかかわらず
「〜にかかわらず」= “regardless of” (condition has no effect). 「〜にもかかわらず」= “despite,” “although” (condition exists, but an unexpected or contrary outcome occurs).
When to use: Use 「〜にかかわらず」when the condition does not matter. Use 「〜にもかかわらず」when the condition does exist, but the result is surprising or contrary to expectation.

📝 Conjugation Notes

Noun + にかかわらず (e.g., 天気にかかわらず, 年齢にかかわらず) Verb plain form (dictionary form) + にかかわらず (e.g., あるなしにかかわらず – regardless of whether it exists or not, often implies 有無) Can also appear as 「〜かどうかにかかわらず」 for phrases expressing “whether or not…”. (e.g., 合格するかどうかにかかわらず – regardless of whether one passes or not)

🔊 Pronunciation Tips

Pronounce 「にかかわらず」 smoothly, with a slight pause before 「にかかわらず」if the preceding noun is long. The ‘k’ in ‘kakawarazu’ is unvoiced.

🧠 Memory Tips

Think of 「関わる (kakawaru)」meaning “to be involved with” or “to affect.” So, 「に関わらず」literally means “without being involved with” or “without being affected by.” Visualize an unyielding force that proceeds no matter what.

Vocabulary List
性別
seibetsu
gender
応募資格
oubo shikaku
eligibility for application
図書館
toshokan
library
国籍
kokuseki
nationality
利用する
riyou suru
to use, to utilize
常に
tsune ni
always, constantly
前向き
positive, forward-looking
Kanji List
関
かん / kakawa(ru)
relation, barrier
係
けい / kakaka(ru)
person in charge, connection
性
せい
gender, nature
別
べつ
separate, different
応
おう
respond, apply
募
ぼ
recruit, collect
資
し
assets, resources
格
かく
status, rule
図
と
drawing, plan
書
しょ
write, book
館
かん
building, hall
Practice Exercises
この店は、注文の量（　　　）、配達料は無料です。
にもかかわらず
にかかわらず
かかわらず
にとって
明日のマラソン大会は、雨が降る（　　　　）、決行されます。
かどうかにかかわらず
にもかかわらず
にかかわらず
かどうかを問わず
この店は、曜日（　　　　）、いつも混んでいる。
に限らず
にもかかわらず
にかかわらず
かどうかを問わず
国籍（　　　　）、誰でも応募できます。
によって
にかかわらず
に関して
について
経験の有無（　　　　）、やる気があれば採用します。
に比べて
に限って
にかかわらず
に応じて
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