JLPT N1 Grammar

〜といわず〜といわず (to iwazu ~ to iwazu)

〜といわず〜といわず (to iwazu ~ to iwazu)
"Not just A or B, but everything; both A and B (and everything else in between)"

This expression is used to indicate that a certain state or action applies to everything within a category, without exception. It typically lists two representative examples (often spatial, temporal, or related body parts) to imply the whole.

  • Formality: Neutral to Formal. It is more literary and emphatic than simple "and" structures.
  • Context: Used in both spoken and written Japanese. In a professional context, it is frequently found in descriptive reports, marketing copy to emphasize broad reach, or when discussing pervasive issues in the workplace.
  • Nuance: It carries an air of emphasis or slight exaggeration to show that there are no exceptions. Unlike simple listing, it suggests a sense of "everywhere you look" or "throughout the entire time." It is often used for things that are somewhat overwhelming, impressive, or pervasive (both positive and negative).

Format

  • Noun A + といわず + Noun B + といわず
    昼といわず夜といわず、エンジニアたちはシステムの復旧作業に当たった。 Whether it was day or night, the engineers worked on restoring the system.
    彼は手といわず足といわず、全身泥だらけになって作業した。 Not just his hands or his feet, he was covered in mud all over while working.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    I check our competitors' movements not just on weekdays but on weekends too—basically all the time.
  • 、。
    From the desks to the meeting rooms, the entire office is covered in posters for the new product.
  • 、。
    Our services are widely used both domestically and internationally, without exception.
  • 、。
    From the department manager to the staff in charge, every single person on the team is desperate for the project's success.
  • 、。
    We propose comprehensive solutions covering both hardware and software.
  • 、。
    It is necessary to completely cover everything, including the mouth and nose, with protective gear.
  • 、。
    Perfect preparation is required for both the presentation and the Q&A session.
  • 、。
    You should check every part of the contract, from the front to the back.
  • 、。
    It is supported by a wide range of demographics, not just people in their 20s or 30s.
  • 、。
    We will deploy advertisements on all social media platforms, including YouTube and Instagram.

Similar Grammar

〜といい〜といい (to ii ~ to ii)

"Both A and B (are equally ...)"
このPCはデザインといい性能といい、申し分ない。

Difference:

  • Primarily used to evaluate or praise/criticize qualities.
  • It focuses on the "excellence" or "badness" of specific attributes.

〜であれ〜であれ (de are ~ de are)

"Whether it be A or B"
理由が何であれ、遅刻は認められない。

Difference:

  • Used to state that the result is the same regardless of which option is chosen. It is more about "no matter which."

〜というか〜というか (to iu ka ~ to iu ka)

"Should I say A, or should I say B..."
彼の態度は、失礼というか無頓着というか、とにかく驚いた。

Difference:

  • Used when the speaker is searching for the right words to describe something.

〜につけ〜につけ (ni tsuke ~ ni tsuke)

"Every time A happens or B happens"
良いにつけ悪いにつけ、報告は欠かさないでください。

Difference:

  • Usually relates to feelings or actions that occur whenever a certain situation (good or bad) arises.

〜やら〜やら (yara ~ yara)

"A and B and so on (implying a chaotic or messy list)"
今月は出張やら会議やらで非常に忙しい。

Difference:

  • Suggests a disorganized list of things that are overwhelming the speaker.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. （　　　）（　　　）、になってのに。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. のは、（　　　）（　　　）、。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. （　　　）（　　　）、のをしなければならない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. が（　　　）、ですることはとしてだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. の（　　　）（　　　）、あらゆるでをする。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. のを、（　　　）（　　　）、を。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. のは、（　　　）（　　　）、でがある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. のは、（　　　）の（　　　）、。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. （　　　）（　　　）、このはで。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. （　　　）（　　　）、が。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. （　　　）（　　　）、のまでが。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. が（　　　）、をまでのはだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. （　　　）の（　　　）、してを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. は、（　　　）（　　　）、だ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. （　　　）（　　　）、のはされている。
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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