This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Japanese
Vocabulary
〜を問わず

B1 noun 8 min read

〜を問わず

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 〜を問わず in 30 Seconds

Explanation 〜を問わず in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '〜を問わず' yet, but it is helpful to recognize the '〜を' and '〜ず' parts. Think of it as a very polite way to say 'it doesn't matter.' You might see it on a poster in Japan. If you see a word you know, like 'Age' (年齢 - nenrei) followed by 'を問わず', just remember it means 'Age doesn't matter' or 'Anyone of any age is okay.' It is a formal 'all-access pass' word. In your own speaking, you can stick to '〜じゃない' or '〜でもいい' for now, but keep an eye out for this in the real world. It usually appears in places where rules are being explained, like at a park or a museum. The 'zu' at the end is like 'nai' (not), so it literally means 'not asking.' You aren't asking for a person's age or gender because it's not important for the activity.

For A2 learners, '〜を問わず' is a useful 'reading' word. You will start seeing it in announcements or simple job flyers. It's more formal than '〜に関係なく' (ni kankeinaku), which you might have already learned. When you see '男女を問わず' (danjo wo towazu), it means 'men or women, it doesn't matter.' At this level, focus on the most common pairs: age (年齢), gender (性別), and nationality (国籍). You don't need to use it in your daily chats with friends, but if you are writing a formal email to a teacher or a boss, using this will make you sound very polite. Remember the structure: [Noun] + を問わず. It's like a block of meaning that you can drop into a sentence to show that a rule is for everyone.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand and start using '〜を問わず' in formal writing and professional contexts. This is a key grammar point for the JLPT N2 level, but it frequently appears in B1-level materials about society and work. You should use it when you want to express that a condition is universal. For example, 'Regardless of experience, please apply' becomes '経験を問わず、ご応募ください.' It is important to distinguish this from 'にかかわらず.' Use 'を問わず' when you are talking about categories (like 'time,' 'place,' or 'type') rather than specific actions. It sounds objective and official. You should also learn the common set phrase '有無を問わず' (whether or not it exists/is present), which is very common in business requirements.

B2 learners should be comfortable using '〜を問わず' in complex sentences and identifying the subtle differences between it and its synonyms. At this level, you should notice that 'を問わず' is often used to describe a wide range of people or things being affected by something. For example, 'The problem affects everyone regardless of their social status.' You can also use it to describe natural phenomena or general truths: 'Nature provides beauty regardless of the season' (季節を問わず). You should be able to rewrite sentences using 'にかかわらず' or 'を抜きにして' to see how the nuance changes. 'を問わず' feels more like a policy or an inherent quality of the situation. It is also common in academic papers to define the scope of a study.

As a C1 learner, you should use '〜を問わず' with precision in high-level discourse. You can pair it with more abstract or compound nouns like '昼夜を問わず' (day and night/around the clock) or '国内外を問わず' (both at home and abroad). You should also be aware of its historical roots in the verb '問う' and how the 'zu' ending functions as a classical negation, which adds to its formal tone. In C1 level writing, you might use it to argue for universal human rights or to describe global economic trends that ignore borders. You should also be able to recognize when it is used ironically or for emphasis in literature. It is a tool for creating a sense of 'absolute applicability' in your arguments.

At the C2 level, '〜を問わず' is a standard part of your formal vocabulary, used effortlessly in professional, legal, or literary contexts. You understand that this phrase carries a certain weight of authority. You might use it in a legal contract to specify that terms apply 'regardless of the cause of the damage' (原因のいかんを問わず). You are also sensitive to the rhythm of the sentence; 'を問わず' often provides a balanced, rhythmic structure to a formal Japanese sentence. You can compare it to even more formal or archaic structures like 'を論ぜず' (wo ronzezu - without arguing about) or 'を措いて' (wo oite - putting aside). At this level, you are not just using the grammar; you are using it to craft a specific tone of impartiality and professional distance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

〜を問わず in 30 Seconds

A formal Japanese grammar point meaning 'regardless of' or 'irrespective of,' used to show that a category like age or gender does not matter.
Commonly found in professional writing, job advertisements, and official announcements to indicate universal applicability and fairness across different groups.
Derived from the verb 'tou' (to ask) and 'zu' (negative), literally meaning 'without asking about' the specific category mentioned before the particle.
Pairs primarily with nouns representing a range, such as 'nationality,' 'experience,' or 'location,' and is more formal than the conversational 'ni kankeinaku.'

The Japanese expression 〜を問わず (wo towazu) is a sophisticated grammar structure that translates to 'regardless of,' 'irrespective of,' or 'no matter the...' in English. It is derived from the verb 問う (tou), which means 'to ask' or 'to question,' combined with the negative suffix 〜ず (a classical negative form meaning 'without'). Therefore, the literal sense of the phrase is 'without asking about' or 'without making [something] a question.'

This expression is primarily used in formal or written contexts, such as job advertisements, official notices, news reports, and academic writing. It indicates that a certain condition, rule, or situation applies universally, regardless of the specific category mentioned. For example, if a company says they hire people 'regardless of nationality,' they use 国籍を問わず to signal that nationality is not a factor in their decision-making process.

Core Nuance: The nuance is one of inclusion and impartiality. It suggests that the speaker or organization is intentionally ignoring potential differences or boundaries to provide equal opportunity or state a universal truth.
Usage Frequency: In daily conversation, Japanese speakers might use simpler terms like 関係なく (kankeinaku), but in any professional or public setting, 〜を問わず is the standard choice for sounding professional and clear.

このイベントは、年齢を問わず、どなたでも参加できます。
— Regardless of age, anyone can participate in this event.

When you use this phrase, you are essentially removing a barrier. It is most commonly paired with nouns that represent a range of possibilities, such as age, gender, experience, or location. It creates a sense of openness. For instance, a park might be open 'regardless of the weather' (天候を問わず), or a fashion brand might design clothes for everyone 'regardless of gender' (性別を問わず).

Structurally, it follows a simple pattern: [Noun] + を問わず. It is important to note that the noun used must be something that naturally has variety or opposites. You wouldn't say 'regardless of the apple,' but you would say 'regardless of the type of fruit.' It focuses on the category as a whole being irrelevant to the outcome.

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 people, regardless of whether they have experience or not.

In summary, 〜を問わず is an essential tool for B1 learners moving into professional Japanese. It allows you to express broad applicability and fairness in a way that sounds educated and precise. Whether you are reading a job posting or writing a formal invitation, recognizing and using this phrase correctly will significantly elevate your Japanese proficiency.

To master 〜を問わず, you must understand its grammatical placement and the types of nouns it pairs with. It acts as a compound particle that connects a noun to the rest of the sentence, indicating that the preceding noun does not limit the action or state that follows.

Basic Grammar Rule: The formula is Noun + を問わず. It is never followed by particles like 'ni' or 'de' in its standard form, though it can sometimes be followed by 'mo' in very specific literary contexts. Usually, it functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the entire clause.

The most common nouns used with this structure are those that imply a spectrum or a set of choices. Common examples include:

昼夜 (Chūya) - Day and night
男女 (Danjo) - Men and women / Gender
内外 (Naigai) - Inside and outside / Domestic and foreign
有無 (Umu) - Presence or absence (existence)
多少 (Tashō) - More or less / Amount

このサービスは、場所を問わず、どこでも利用可能です。
— This service is available anywhere, regardless of location.

One advanced usage involves using a pair of opposites joined together. For example, 「経験の有無を問わず」 (regardless of the presence or absence of experience). This is a very common set phrase in business Japanese. It covers all bases—those with experience and those without.

Compare these two structures:

Formal Style: 国籍を問わず採用する (We hire regardless of nationality.) - Very professional.
Casual Style: 国籍に関係なく採用する (We hire without nationality being a factor.) - More common in speech.

そのアニメは、世代を問わず、多くの人に愛されている。
— That anime is loved by many people, regardless of their generation.

When writing, remember that 〜を問わず is often used to create a sense of scale. It’s not just about two things; it’s about the entire category being open. If you are writing a report or a formal email to a client, using this grammar point shows that you have a firm grasp of professional Japanese etiquette and clarity.

While you might not hear 〜を問わず while chatting with friends at a café, it is ubiquitous in the public sphere of Japan. Understanding where it appears will help you navigate Japanese society more effectively.

1. Recruitment and Job Ads: This is perhaps the most frequent place to see the phrase. Companies use it to comply with labor laws and to appeal to a wider audience. Look for 「学歴を問わず」 (regardless of educational background) or 「経験を問わず」 (regardless of experience) on posters in train stations or on websites like Indeed Japan.
2. Public Service Announcements: City halls and government offices use this phrase in their documentation. If a new park is opening or a health screening is available, the flyer will often state 「居住地を問わず」 (regardless of place of residence) to indicate that even people from other wards can participate.

「本大会は、プロ・アマを問わず、どなたでも応募可能です。」
— Announcement: This competition is open to anyone, regardless of whether they are a professional or an amateur.

In the news, you will hear broadcasters use this phrase when discussing global issues or wide-reaching trends. For example, 「国内外を問わず」 (both inside and outside the country) is a common way to describe the popularity of a Japanese brand or the impact of a natural disaster.

In the world of retail and marketing, 〜を問わず is used to describe products that are versatile. A skincare product might be advertised as suitable for 「肌質を問わず」 (regardless of skin type). This gives the consumer confidence that the product is safe and effective for anyone.

「この万能洗剤は、素材を問わず、お使いいただけます。」
— Marketing: This multi-purpose detergent can be used regardless of the material.

Finally, in literature and formal speeches (like those at a wedding or a graduation), 〜を問わず adds a layer of dignity and gravity to the speaker's words. It helps convey a sense of universal truth or timeless relevance, making it an essential part of the high-level Japanese vocabulary repertoire.

Even for intermediate learners, 〜を問わず can be tricky because it shares similar meanings with other expressions. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake 1: Confusing it with 「にかかわらず」: While they both mean 'regardless,' 〜を問わず implies that the category is not even being considered or questioned. 〜にかかわらず is broader and can be used for things that are already happening or specific choices. For example, 'Regardless of whether it rains' is usually 「雨が降るかどうかにかかわらず」, whereas 'Regardless of the weather' (as a general category) is 「天候を問わず」.
Mistake 2: Using it with Verbs Directly: 〜を問わず must follow a noun. You cannot say 「行くを問わず」. If you want to use a verb, you must nominalize it or use the 有無 (umu) pattern. Correct: 「参加の有無を問わず」 (Regardless of whether you participate or not).

❌ 好き嫌いを問わず、食べてください。
✅ 好き嫌いにかかわらず、食べてください。
— Explanation: 'Likes and dislikes' is a personal feeling, so 'にかかわらず' is more natural than the formal 'を問わず'.

Another common error is using it in overly casual situations. If you are telling a friend, 'Regardless of what you say, I'm going,' using 「何を言うかを問わず」 sounds incredibly stiff and robotic. In that case, 「何と言っても」 or 「関係なく」 is much better.

Finally, watch out for the particle choice. Some students accidentally use が問わず or は問わず. It is almost always を問わず because the 'questioning' (問う) is acting upon the noun category. Stick to the fixed pattern to ensure your Japanese sounds natural and correct.

To truly understand 〜を問わず, it helps to compare it with its synonyms. Each has a slightly different flavor and use case.

〜にかかわらず (Ni kakawarazu): This is the closest synonym. The main difference is that にかかわらず can be used with a wider range of words, including verbs (in their dictionary form + かどうかに). It focuses on the fact that the result remains the same regardless of the circumstances. を問わず is more about the category not being a factor at all.
〜に関係なく (Ni kankeinaku): This is the most common and casual way to say 'regardless.' It literally means 'without relation to.' Use this in daily conversations with friends or coworkers when the situation isn't formal.

「理由のいかんを問わず、遅刻は認められません。」
— Regardless of the reason (very formal), tardiness is not permitted.

For very formal, almost legalistic contexts, you might see 「〜を分かたず」 (wo wakatazu). This is quite rare and archaic, but it appears in classical literature or very old-fashioned formal speeches to mean 'without distinguishing between.'

Another alternative is 「〜はともかく」, which means 'setting [something] aside for now.' It's different because it implies that the thing might be important later, but for the current point, we aren't focusing on it. を問わず is much more definitive—the category simply does not matter.

Understanding these subtle differences allows you to choose the perfect word for the right situation, moving you closer to native-like fluency.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'zu' ending is a fossilized piece of classical Japanese that still survives in many formal expressions today, giving them a dignified and 'old-school' feel.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /wo tɔ.wa.zu/

US /woʊ tɔ.wɑ.zu/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'towazu', the pitch is relatively flat with a slight drop at the end.

Rhymes With

Awazu (not meeting) Iwazu (not saying) Shirazu (not knowing) Tarazu (not enough) Yamazu (not stopping) Omazu (not folding) Kamazu (not biting) Matzu (though this is a different kanji, the sound is similar)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'zu' as 'zoo' with a very long vowel.
Stressing the 'wa' too hard.
Forgetting that 'wo' is a particle and should be linked to the preceding noun.
Confusing 'zu' with 'su'.
Pausing too long between the noun and 'wo towazu'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize once you know the 'tou' kanji and the 'zu' ending.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal noun pairs to use naturally.

Speaking 4/5

Hard to use in conversation without sounding overly robotic.

Listening 3/5

Clear and distinct in announcements and news.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

問う (Tou) 〜ず (Classical negative) 関係なく (Kankeinaku) 年齢 (Nenrei) 性別 (Seibetsu)

Learn Next

〜にかかわらず (Ni kakawarazu) 〜を抜きにして (Wo nukini shite) 〜はともかく (Wa tomokaku) 〜いかんによらず (Ikan ni yorazu)

Advanced

〜を論ぜず (Wo ronzezu) 〜を分かたず (Wo wakatazu) 〜に即して (Ni sokushite)

Grammar to Know

〜にかかわらず

結果のいかんにかかわらず、参加することに意義がある。

〜に関係なく

好き嫌いに関係なく、栄養のあるものを食べなさい。

〜を抜きにして

お世辞を抜きにして、あなたの歌は素晴らしい。

〜はともかく

味はともかく、見た目はとても綺麗だ。

〜いかんで / 〜いかんによって

成績のいかんによって、奨学金が決まる。

Examples by Level

年齢を問わず、みんな来てください。

Regardless of age, please everyone come.

Simple Noun + を問わず structure.

性別を問わず、この服は着られます。

Regardless of gender, these clothes can be worn.

Using 'gender' as the category.

昼夜を問わず、働いています。

They are working regardless of whether it is day or night.

Chūya (day and night) is a common pair.

国籍を問わず、歓迎します。

Regardless of nationality, we welcome you.

Focus on inclusivity.

場所を問わず、使えます。

It can be used regardless of location.

Showing versatility.

経験を問わず、募集しています。

We are recruiting regardless of experience.

Very common in job ads.

天候を問わず、試合をします。

We will have the match regardless of the weather.

Used for events.

種類を問わず、何でもいいです。

Regardless of the type, anything is fine.

Expressing that any choice is acceptable.

この公園は、季節を問わず美しいです。

This park is beautiful regardless of the season.

Seasonal context.

プロ・アマを問わず、参加できます。

Whether professional or amateur, you can participate.

Using a pair of opposites.

理由を問わず、キャンセルはできません。

Regardless of the reason, you cannot cancel.

Formal rule setting.

国内外を問わず、人気があります。

It is popular regardless of whether it's inside or outside the country.

Describing global reach.

学歴を問わず、能力で判断します。

Regardless of educational background, we judge by ability.

Professional context.

ジャンルを問わず、本を読みます。

I read books regardless of the genre.

Personal habit in a formal tone.

時間を問わず、いつでも電話してください。

Please call anytime, regardless of the hour.

Expressing availability.

素材を問わず、汚れが落ちます。

The dirt comes off regardless of the material.

Marketing language.

経験の有無を問わず、意欲のある方を採用します。

Regardless of whether you have experience, we hire motivated people.

Umu (existence) is a key B1 pattern.

この制度は、社員の職種を問わず適用される。

This system applies regardless of the employee's job type.

Using 'apply' (適用される) in a formal context.

Regardless of the purpose, unauthorized reproduction of data is prohibited.

Legal/Official prohibition.

彼は相手が誰かを問わず、常に丁寧な口調で話す。

Regardless of who the other person is, he always speaks in a polite tone.

Using an interrogative + ka (who it is).

この奨学金は、専攻を問わず全ての学生が対象です。

This scholarship is for all students, regardless of their major.

Academic context.

場所のいかんを問わず、ゴミのポイ捨てはやめましょう。

Regardless of the location, let's stop littering.

'Ikan' adds a more formal 'no matter the details' nuance.

宗教を問わず、平和を願う気持ちは同じだ。

Regardless of religion, the desire for peace is the same.

Philosophical/Social statement.

新旧を問わず、良い作品は語り継がれる。

Regardless of whether they are new or old, good works are passed down.

Shinkyu (new and old) pair.

理由のいかんを問わず、提出期限の延期は認められない。

Regardless of the reason, no extension of the deadline will be granted.

Very formal 'ikan wo towazu' pattern.

その伝統行事は、村の内外を問わず多くの見物客を集める。

The traditional event attracts many spectators from both inside and outside the village.

Describing social impact.

この投資信託は、市場の変動を問わず安定した収益を目指している。

This investment trust aims for stable returns regardless of market fluctuations.

Financial/Business context.

作者の意図を問わず、作品は読者の解釈に委ねられる。

Regardless of the author's intention, the work is left to the reader's interpretation.

Literary theory context.

昼夜を問わず続けられる工事の音に、住民は困惑している。

Residents are confused by the sound of construction that continues day and night.

Describing a persistent state.

彼は公私の別を問わず、常に公正な判断を下す人物だ。

He is a person who always makes fair judgments, regardless of the distinction between public and private.

Describing character traits.

このアプリは機種を問わず、ほとんどのスマートフォンで動作する。

This app runs on most smartphones regardless of the model.

Technical compatibility.

政治的な立場を問わず、多くの国民がその法案に反対した。

Regardless of political stance, many citizens opposed the bill.

Political context.

事の善悪を問わず、結果のみが重視される風潮には疑問を感じる。

I feel doubtful about the trend where only results are valued, regardless of whether the action is good or bad.

Abstract moral discussion.

身分の貴賤を問わず、全ての人間は法の下に平等であるべきだ。

Regardless of high or low social status, all humans should be equal under the law.

Kisen (high and low status) is a literary term.

その哲学者は、時代や文化を問わず通底する普遍的な真理を求めた。

The philosopher sought universal truths that run deep regardless of era or culture.

High-level academic/philosophical discourse.

対象の如何を問わず、暴力による解決は断じて容認できない。

Regardless of who the target is, resolution through violence is absolutely unacceptable.

Strong moral stance with 'danjite' (absolutely).

情報の真偽を問わず、衝撃的なニュースは瞬く間に拡散していく。

Regardless of the truth or falsehood of the information, shocking news spreads in the blink of an eye.

Shingi (truth or falsehood) pair.

彼は自他の別を問わず、過ちに対しては極めて厳格な態度を貫く。

He maintains an extremely strict attitude toward mistakes, regardless of whether they are his own or others'.

Jita (self and others) pair.

古今東西を問わず、人間が抱える悩みの本質は変わらないのかもしれない。

Regardless of time or place (East or West), the essence of human worries may not change.

Kokon-touzai (all times and places) is a classic four-character idiom context.

損得を問わず、自分が正しいと信じる道を進むべきだという教えだ。

It is a teaching that one should follow the path they believe is right, regardless of profit or loss.

Sontoku (profit and loss) pair.

条約の解釈を巡っては、締約国を問わず広範な議論が交わされた。

Regarding the interpretation of the treaty, extensive discussions were held regardless of the signatory nation.

Diplomatic/Legal register.

原因の如何を問わず、本契約に基づく債務の履行遅滞は許されない。

Regardless of the cause, any delay in the performance of obligations under this contract is not permitted.

Strict legal terminology.

言語の壁を問わず、音楽は魂に直接訴えかける力を持っている。

Regardless of language barriers, music has the power to appeal directly to the soul.

Elevated literary expression.

生死を問わず、行方不明者の捜索は全力を挙げて継続されるべきだ。

Regardless of whether they are alive or dead, the search for the missing should be continued with all efforts.

Seishi (life or death) pair.

虚実を問わず、世に流布する言説が社会の動向を左右することがある。

Regardless of truth or fiction, discourses circulating in the world can sometimes influence social trends.

Kyojitsu (truth and fiction) pair.

恩讐を問わず、かつての敵と手を取り合って未来を築く時が来た。

Regardless of past favors or grudges, the time has come to join hands with former enemies and build the future.

Onshū (favors and grudges) is a very high-level literary term.

公私の別を問わず、一挙手一投足が注目の的となる立場にある。

He is in a position where his every move is the focus of attention, regardless of the distinction between public and private life.

Ikkyushu-ittousoku (every single move) idiom usage.

事の成否を問わず、その挑戦自体に大いなる価値があると言えよう。

Regardless of the success or failure of the matter, one could say that the challenge itself has great value.

Seihi (success or failure) pair.

Synonyms

〜にかかわらず〜に関係なく〜を抜きにして〜はともかく〜を論ぜず〜を分かたず〜によらず〜を無視して

Antonyms

〜に応じて〜に限定して〜を条件として〜に基づいて

Common Collocations

年齢を問わず

経験を問わず

男女を問わず

昼夜を問わず

国内外を問わず

有無を問わず

理由のいかんを問わず

場所を問わず

ジャンルを問わず

国籍を問わず

Common Phrases

年齢・性別を問わず

— Regardless of age or gender. A very standard opening for inclusive events.

年齢・性別を問わず、どなたでも大歓迎です。

経験の有無を問わず

— Regardless of whether one has experience or not. Standard in job listings.

経験の有無を問わず、一から丁寧に指導します。

昼夜を問わず働く

— To work day and night. Describes intense or continuous effort.

彼は昼夜を問わず働き、ついに成功を収めた。

国内外を問わず活躍する

— To be active both domestically and internationally. Used for famous people or brands.

その選手は国内外を問わず活躍している。

理由のいかんを問わず

— Regardless of the specific reason. Used for strict rules or policies.

理由のいかんを問わず、遅刻は認められません。

場所を問わず利用できる

— Can be used regardless of location. Describes portable or cloud-based services.

このアプリは場所を問わず利用できるのが利点だ。

職種を問わず

— Regardless of job type. Used in company-wide announcements.

職種を問わず、全社員が研修に参加する。

天候を問わず開催する

— To hold an event regardless of the weather. Common for indoor or rain-or-shine events.

運動会は天候を問わず開催いたします。

プロ・アマを問わず募集

— Recruiting both professionals and amateurs. Common for contests.

プロ・アマを問わず募集しておりますので、奮ってご応募ください。

ジャンルを問わず楽しむ

— To enjoy something regardless of the genre. Used for hobbies.

私はジャンルを問わず映画を楽しむのが好きだ。

Often Confused With

〜を問わず vs 〜にかかわらず

More versatile; can be used with verbs. 'を問わず' is strictly for noun categories.

〜を問わず vs 〜に関係なく

The casual version. Using 'を問わず' with friends sounds like you are a robot or a lawyer.

〜を問わず vs 〜を抜きにして

Means 'leaving something out.' 'を問わず' means it doesn't matter even if it's there.

Idioms & Expressions

"古今東西を問わず"

— Regardless of time (past/present) or space (East/West). Means 'universally true throughout history.'

古今東西を問わず、親が子を思う気持ちは変わらない。

Literary

"貴賤を問わず"

— Regardless of high or low social status. Used to describe equality.

かつてその寺は、貴賤を問わず多くの人々を受け入れた。

Historical/Formal

"恩讐を問わず"

— Regardless of past favors or grudges. Used when reconciling with enemies.

恩讐を問わず、今は協力すべき時だ。

Literary/Dramatic

"善悪を問わず"

— Regardless of good or evil. Often used to describe a force of nature or a neutral system.

雨は善悪を問わず、全てのものに降り注ぐ。

Philosophical

"虚実を問わず"

— Regardless of truth or fiction. Used when rumors or stories have a life of their own.

虚実を問わず、その噂は町中に広まった。

Literary

"自他の別を問わず"

— Regardless of the distinction between self and others. Used for total impartiality.

彼は自他の別を問わず、誰に対しても厳しい。

Formal

"身分を問わず"

— Regardless of social rank. Similar to 貴賤を問わず but slightly more modern.

その学校は身分を問わず、才能ある若者を教育した。

Formal

"公私の別を問わず"

— Regardless of the difference between public and private life.

公私の別を問わず、彼の行動は常に立派だ。

Formal

"生死を問わず"

— Regardless of life or death. Used in extreme situations like search missions.

生死を問わず、一刻も早い発見が望まれる。

Formal/Serious

"新旧を問わず"

— Regardless of whether something is old or new.

新旧を問わず、良い技術は積極的に取り入れるべきだ。

Business/Formal

Easily Confused

〜を問わず vs 〜に応じ(て)

Both relate to a condition.

〜に応じて means 'depending on' (the result changes). 〜を問わず means 'regardless of' (the result is the same).

能力に応じて給料が決まる (Salary depends on ability) vs 能力を問わず採用する (Hiring regardless of ability).

〜を問わず vs 〜を問う

It is the positive form of the same verb.

〜を問う means 'to question' or 'to hold responsible.'

責任を問う (Hold responsible) vs 責任を問わず (Regardless of responsibility).

〜を問わず vs 〜に基づいて

Both establish a basis for action.

〜に基づいて means using something as a foundation. 〜を問わず means ignoring that thing as a foundation.

データに基づいて判断する (Judge based on data) vs データの有無を問わず判断する (Judge regardless of data presence).

〜を問わず vs 〜にかまわず

Sounds similar.

〜にかまわず means 'not caring about' or 'without worrying about' (often a person's feelings or a mess).

人の迷惑にかまわず騒ぐ (Making noise without caring about others' annoyance).

〜を問わず vs 〜はともかく

Both set something aside.

〜はともかく implies the thing is less important for now. 〜を問わず implies the thing has zero impact on the rule.

値段はともかく、質がいい (Setting aside price, quality is good).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun representing a category] + を問わず、〜

年齢を問わず、誰でも参加できます。

[Noun]の有無を問わず、〜

経験の有無を問わず、採用します。

理由のいかんを問わず、〜

理由のいかんを問わず、返金はできません。

[Opposite Nouns]を問わず、〜

昼夜を問わず、工事が続いている。

[Abstract Noun]の別を問わず、〜

公私の別を問わず、彼は誠実だ。

古今東西を問わず、〜

古今東西を問わず、愛は普遍的なテーマだ。

[Archaic Pair]を問わず、〜

身分の貴賤を問わず、平等に接する。

事の成否を問わず、〜

事の成否を問わず、努力は報われる。

Word Family

Nouns

問い (Toi) - Question

疑問 (Gimon) - Doubt/Question

Verbs

問う (Tou) - To ask/question

問い合わせる (Toiawaseru) - To inquire

にかかわらず (Regardless of)

に関係なく (Without relation)

を抜きにして (Without)

はさておき (Setting aside)

いかんによらず (No matter how)

How to Use It

frequency

High in written/official Japanese; Low in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using with a verb: 食べるを問わず → 好き嫌いを問わず / 食べるかどうかにかかわらず
を問わず only attaches to nouns. If you need a verb, change the grammar or the word.
Using in casual chat: 「今日、天気を問わず遊ぼう！」 → 「今日、天気に関係なく遊ぼう！」
を問わず is too formal for a casual suggestion between friends.
Confusing with 〜に応じて: 年齢を問わず給料を払う → 年齢に応じて給料を払う (if the salary changes with age)
を問わず means the condition doesn't matter. If the condition DOES matter, use に応じて.
Wrong particle: 年齢が問わず → 年齢を問わず
The particle 'wo' is required because 'tou' is a transitive verb meaning 'to ask [something].'
Using for a single choice: 明日を問わず → 明日にかかわらず / 日時を問わず
を問わず needs a category with multiple options, not a single specific time or thing.

Tips

Fixed Pattern

Treat 'を問わず' as a single unit. Don't try to change the particle 'を' to anything else in most situations.

Learn the Pairs

Memorize common pairs like '昼夜' (day and night) or '内外' (inside and outside) to use with this phrase.

Formal Contexts

Save this for your resume, formal emails, or when giving a presentation to sound professional.

Spotting in Ads

When looking for jobs or events in Japan, look for this phrase to see who is eligible to join.

Classical Roots

Knowing that 'zu' means 'not' helps you understand many other formal Japanese grammar points.

Avoid Specifics

Don't use it with a very specific singular noun like 'this apple.' Use it with categories like 'type of fruit.'

Train Announcements

Listen for 'を問わず' when there are announcements about service availability or rules.

Inclusivity

Use this phrase to show that your project or event is open to diverse groups of people.

Pitch Accent

Keep your pitch relatively flat; don't over-emphasize the 'wo' or the 'zu'.

The 'No-Ask' Rule

Just remember: 'We don't ask (問わず) because it doesn't matter!'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Towazu' as 'To' (Question) + 'Wazu' (Was not). It 'was not' a 'question' to begin with because it applies to everyone!

Visual Association

Imagine a gate with a sign that says 'ALL WELCOME' and a person throwing a question mark into a trash can.

Word Web

Equality Inclusion Formal Job Ads Universal No Barriers Policy Impartial

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your favorite hobby using 'を問わず'. For example: 'I like movies regardless of the genre' (ジャンルを問わず).

Word Origin

Derived from the classical Japanese negative continuative form of the verb '問う' (tou). In classical Japanese, 'zu' was the standard negative suffix.

Original meaning: The literal meaning was 'not asking' or 'without making it a question.'

Japonic / Classical Japanese grammar remnants.

Cultural Context

While the phrase itself is inclusive, it is often used in legal contexts to protect against discrimination claims. It is a 'safe' and 'correct' way to speak about diversity.

The English equivalent 'regardless of' is used in both formal and casual settings, whereas 'を問わず' is strictly formal. English speakers might find it similar to 'irrespective of.'

Commonly found in the Japanese Constitution regarding equality. Used in the 'Universal Declaration of Human Rights' Japanese translation. Frequent in 'Help Wanted' posters in famous Japanese anime like 'Shirobako'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Hunting

経験を問わず採用
学歴を問わず
国籍を問わず募集
年齢の有無を問わず

Public Notices

理由を問わず禁止
場所を問わず利用可
天候を問わず開催
居住地を問わず

Marketing/Sales

ジャンルを問わず人気
素材を問わず使える
国内外を問わず評価
世代を問わず愛される

Academic/Formal Writing

時代を問わず共通する
分野を問わず適用できる
対象を問わず調査した
真偽を問わず広まる

Legal/Contracts

理由のいかんを問わず
原因を問わず賠償する
公私の別を問わず
生死を問わず捜索

Conversation Starters

"「年齢を問わず楽しめる趣味って、何だと思いますか？」"

"「このアプリ、場所を問わず使えて便利ですよね？」"

"「最近は経験を問わず採用する会社が増えていますね。」"

"「ジャンルを問わず、おすすめの本はありますか？」"

"「プロ・アマを問わず参加できる大会があるそうですよ。」"

Journal Prompts

あなたが「年齢を問わず大切だと思うこと」について書いてください。

「場所を問わず仕事ができる」という働き方について、どう思いますか？

「経験を問わず挑戦してみたいこと」をリストアップしてみましょう。

「国内外を問わず、多くの人に知ってほしい日本の文化」は何ですか？

「理由を問わず、絶対に許せないこと」はありますか？その理由も書いてください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you cannot use it directly with verbs. You must nominalize the verb or use a noun like '有無' (presence/absence). For example, instead of '行くを問わず', use '参加の有無を問わず' (regardless of whether you go/participate).

Rarely. It sounds very stiff and formal. In casual conversation with friends, it is much more natural to use '関係なく' (kankeinaku) or 'どうでもいい' (doesn't matter).

'を問わず' is used for general categories (age, gender, nationality) to show they aren't even questioned. 'にかかわらず' is broader and can be used for specific situations (like whether it rains or not). 'を問わず' is slightly more formal.

The 'zu' is a remnant of classical Japanese. It functions as a negative, meaning 'not.' So 'towazu' literally means 'not asking' or 'without asking.'

Yes, it is a formal and polite expression. It is never considered rude, but it might be considered 'too formal' for a relaxed setting.

The standard particle is 'を'. While 'は' might be used for extreme emphasis in very specific literary contexts, 'を問わず' is the fixed grammar pattern you should learn and use.

Use the noun '有無' (umu). The phrase is '有無を問わず' (umu wo towazu). This is very common in business and official contexts.

Nouns that represent a range or a choice work best. Examples include: age (年齢), gender (性別), nationality (国籍), experience (経験), and time (時間).

Yes. For example: '年齢を問わず、どなたでも歓迎します。' (Regardless of age, everyone is welcome.) This is a very common way to start an announcement.

Yes, it is written as '問わず'. The 'towa' part uses the kanji for 'question' (問), and 'zu' is written in hiragana.