JLPT N1 Grammar

〜いかんにかかわらず (ikan ni kakawarazu)

〜いかんにかかわらず (ikan ni kakawarazu)
“regardless of; no matter what the... is”

This expression is used to state that a certain action, rule, or situation applies universally, regardless of the degree, nature, or circumstances of the preceding noun. It is a highly formal, stiff expression (文章語) used when the speaker wants to emphasize that a specific factor is not taken into consideration.

  • Formality: Very Formal/Literary. It is standard in legal documents, corporate policies, official announcements, and formal speeches.
  • Context: Used frequently in business contracts (e.g., liability clauses), recruitment (e.g., equal opportunity statements), or organizational strategy (e.g., performance-based results).
  • Nuance: It carries a strong sense of impartiality and firm determination. It implies that "X" exists or happens independently of "Y." Unlike the more common 「〜に関係なく」, it sounds much more authoritative and objective.

Format

  • Noun + の + いかんにかかわらず
    理由のいかんにかかわらず、一旦納入された入学金は返還しません。 Regardless of the reason, admission fees once paid will not be refunded.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Regardless of whether you pass or fail, the examination fee will not be refunded.
  • 、。
    Regardless of the level of experience, we welcome those who are motivated.
  • 、。
    Regardless of the weather, the new product launch event will proceed as planned.
  • 、。
    Regardless of the amount, a receipt is required for expense reimbursement.
  • 、。
    Regardless of the outcome, we should evaluate the team for putting in their full effort.

Similar Grammar

〜を問わず (o towazu)

“regardless of...”
この大会は、性別や年齢を問わず、誰でも参加できる。 Anyone can participate in this tournament, regardless of gender or age.

Difference:

  • Very similar, but usually follows specific nouns that represent a range or categories (e.g., age, gender, nationality).
  • 「いかんにかかわらず」 is more focused on the nature or degree of a situation.

〜にかかわらず (ni kakawarazu)

“regardless of...”
この計画は、個人の意志にかかわらず実行される。 This plan will be carried out regardless of individual will.

Difference:

  • The "light" version of this grammar.
  • It can be used with both nouns and verbs (辞書形/ない形).
  • 「いかんにかかわらず」 is strictly for nouns and sounds much more formal.

〜によらず (ni yorazu)

“regardless of / not depending on”
この奨学金は、成績によらず希望者全員に支給される。 This scholarship is provided to all applicants regardless of their grades.

Difference:

  • Implies that the method or the specific case does not affect the result. Often used in written instructions.

〜いかんによらず (ikan ni yorazu)

“regardless of...”
天候のいかんによらず、明日の登山は中止とする。 Regardless of the weather, tomorrow's mountain climbing is canceled.

Difference:

  • Virtually synonymous with 「いかんにかかわらず」.
  • It is slightly more literary and focuses on the idea that the result "does not depend on" the factor.

〜を抜きにして (o nuki ni shite)

“leaving out... / without...”
冗談を抜きにして、真面目な話をしましょう。 Putting jokes aside, let's talk seriously.

Difference:

  • Focuses on the idea of removing a factor that is usually present to see the true nature of something else.
  • It doesn't mean "regardless of" in a legal/universal sense.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. （　　　）、のは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. の（　　　）、のがこともある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. （　　　）、のをしたい。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. の（　　　）、はでを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. （　　　）、的はされる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. （　　　）、はにしてください。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. 的の（　　　）、のにである。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. （　　　）、をことにがある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. の（　　　）、をはできない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. （　　　）、そのはにを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. の（　　　）、のはされる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. （　　　）は、の（　　　）だ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. の（　　　）、をいる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. の（　　　）、がこともある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. （　　　）、がされる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Continue Your Journey to Native-Level Fluency

Great work finishing this session! Achieving N1-level precision is about layering these subtle distinctions until they become second nature in your professional life.

To maintain your momentum and eliminate any remaining blind spots, head back to our JLPT N1 Grammar List. Use it to systematically check off each point and refine your ability to navigate complex Japanese environments with the confidence of a native speaker.

JLPT N1 Grammar List

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