によらず

The grammar pattern によらず means "regardless of", "irrespective of", or "no matter what". It is used to express that something applies universally, without being affected or limited by the noun it attaches to. It is a formal expression commonly found in written language, official announcements, rules, and academic contexts.

Basic Usage

によらず attaches directly to a noun and indicates that the outcome or statement holds true no matter what value or category that noun takes.

With Question Words

によらず is frequently paired with question-word-based expressions like なん何、だれ誰、どこ etc. to emphasize that absolutely no exceptions exist.

Related Expressions

• にかかわらず: Very similar in meaning ("regardless of"). によらず tends to be slightly more formal and is more often used when the deciding factor or criterion itself is being dismissed.
• をとわ問わず: Also means "regardless of" but emphasizes that something is not questioned or asked about – often used with paired options like だんじょ男女をとわ問わず (regardless of gender).
• いかんによらず: A more formal variant combining いかん (how/what) with によらず, often seen in legal or bureaucratic language.

Nuance

によらず carries the nuance that the noun it modifies is not used as a criterion or basis for judgment. It literally stems from the negative form of よる (to depend on / to be based on), so it conveys "not depending on ~" or "not based on ~".