JLPT N1 Grammar

〜いかんによらず (ikan ni yorazu)

〜いかんによらず (ikan ni yorazu)
“regardless of; no matter what the... is; independent of”

This expression is used to state that a particular situation, action, or rule applies universally, regardless of the degree, nature, or status of the preceding noun. It is a highly formal and stiff expression, often found in official documents, corporate policies, and legal contexts.

  • Formality: Very Formal / Literary. It is rarely used in casual or even standard daily conversation.
  • Context: Business contracts, public notices, recruitment requirements, and academic papers. It often follows words that imply a range of possibilities, such as "results," "reasons," or "weather."
  • Nuance: It carries a strong, objective tone of authority or impartiality. It implies that the outcome is fixed and will not be influenced by individual circumstances or specific details.

Format

  • Noun + の + いかんによらず
    理由のいかんによらず、遅刻は認められません。 Regardless of the reason, lateness is not permitted.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Regardless of the reason, screening fees once paid will not be refunded.
  • 、。
    Our policy is to hire capable talent regardless of their academic background or nationality.
  • 、。
    Regardless of business performance, there is an obligation to pay remuneration according to the contract.
  • 、。
    Regardless of past circumstances, this scandal cannot be tolerated.
  • 、。
    Regardless of the weather, the new product launch event will be held as scheduled.

Similar Grammar

〜を問わず (o towazu)

“regardless of...”
この映画は年齢を問わず、子供から大人まで楽しめる。 This movie can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of age, from children to adults.

Difference:

  • Very similar and often interchangeable in business contexts.
  • However, 〜いかんによらず focuses more on the nature or degree of a situation (like the "how" of a reason), whereas 〜を問わず is commonly used with broader categories like age, gender, or location.

〜にかかわらず (ni kakawarazu)

“regardless of / whether or not...”
行くか行かないかにかかわらず、返事は早く出してください。 Regardless of whether you go or not, please send your reply quickly.

Difference:

  • Slightly less formal than いかんによらず.
  • It can be used with both nouns and verbs (e.g., 行く行かないにかかわらず). いかんによらず is strictly noun-based.

〜によらず (ni yorazu)

“without relying on / regardless of...”
この会社は学歴によらず、能力のある人を採用する。 This company hires capable people regardless of their educational background.

Difference:

  • Often used to mean "not by means of X."
  • When used to mean "regardless," it lacks the specific nuance of "circumstances/details" that the word いかん (how/state) provides.

〜いかんでは (ikan de wa)

“depending on...”
検査の結果いかんでは、手術が必要になるかもしれない。 Depending on the test results, surgery may be necessary.

Difference:

  • This is the "conditional" version.
  • While いかんによらず means the result is the same no matter what, いかんでは means the result will change depending on the circumstances.

〜ともなると (tomo naru to)

“when it comes to / once it becomes...”
部長ともなると、責任も重くなる。 Once you become a department manager, your responsibilities also become heavier.

Difference:

  • Focuses on a change in situation or behavior once a certain high level or special stage is reached. It does not express "regardlessness."

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. （　　　）、でしたはのとなる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. （　　　）、のは通り。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. の（　　　）、のをせざるをえないもある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. （　　　）、なをするだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. の（　　　）、者はを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. （　　　）、のをいる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. （　　　）、そのはのを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. の（　　　）、をは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. のは、（　　　）ものではない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. （　　　）、はいたしません。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. の（　　　）、のはさらにだろう。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. （　　　）、のをおります。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. の（　　　）、のをすべきもある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. （　　　）は、の（　　　）だ。
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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