Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Regardless" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "regardless", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
なりふり構わず
なりふりかまわず (narifuri kamawazu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
問わず
とわず (towazu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "regardless" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between なりふり構わず and 問わず.
In Japanese, なりふり構わず (なりふりかまわず (narifuri kamawazu)) is typically associated with "regardless of one's appearance; without regard for appearances; without caring about one's looks or surroundings; indiscriminately; recklessly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to describe an action where someone acts without caring about their appearance, social standing, or what others might think. Often implies desperation or intense focus..
On the other hand, 問わず (とわず (towazu)) maps to "regardless of, irrespective of, no matter" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A common grammar pattern often used with nouns or clauses ending in の. It expresses that something applies universally, without distinction.. A literal translation of "regardless" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "なりふり構わず"
彼は雨の中、なりふり構わず走り続けた。
He kept running in the rain, regardless of his appearance.
Bilingual Context for "問わず"
性別や年齢を問わず、誰でも参加できます。
Anyone can participate, regardless of gender or age.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は雨の中、 ＿＿＿ 走り続けた。" (Meaning: "He kept running in the rain, regardless of his appearance.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "なりふり構わず" fits here because it means "regardless of one's appearance; without regard for appearances; without caring about one's looks or surroundings; indiscriminately; recklessly" in the context of: "He kept running in the rain, regardless of his appearance.". "問わず" represents "regardless of, irrespective of, no matter".