～を問わず

How to form it

• Noun (a pair of opposites or a category) + を問わず

Register: Formal; used in notices and recruitment

Explanation

Says that something applies without distinction to every category of the noun, such as age, gender or time.

Often paired nouns (昼夜, 男女, 有無) or a broad category. It sounds objective and official.

Examples

1. 年齢を問わず、誰でも参加できる。

   ねんれいをとわず、だれでもさんかできる。

   Anyone can take part regardless of age.

2. 昼夜を問わず、工事が行われている。

   ちゅうやをとわず、こうじがおこなわれている。

   Construction is going on day and night.

3. 経験の有無を問わず、応募できます。

   けいけんのうむをとわず、おうぼできます。

   You can apply whether or not you have experience.

Compare with

• ～にかかわらず: にかかわらず is very close; を問わず is a little more formal and takes categories.

Common mistakes

• Using it with a single specific item. It needs a category or opposing pair.