How to tell them apart
The core distinction is what kind of noun precedes the particle. によらず emphasizes that the outcome does not depend on or is not calculated from the noun — it is about independence from a factor, fitting abstract or variable conditions like 位置によらず or 学歴によらず. にかかわらず emphasizes that the outcome holds without regard to the noun's value or category, often pairing with question words or paired opposites like いかんにかかわらず. Swapping them is not always wrong, but によらず sounds more natural with a single variable factor, while にかかわらず is the safer choice for whether-or-not or whatever-type contrasts.
- によらず Use によらず when the result holds without depending on a single variable factor.
- にかかわらず・に関/拘/係わらず Use にかかわらず when the result holds across categories or conditions, especially with いかん.
| Grammar point | Meaning | JLPT level |
|---|---|---|
| によらず niyorazu | Without regard to; not dependent on; contrary to what one would expect | N1 |
| にかかわらず・に関/拘/係わらず nikakawarazu ni warazu | Without regard to; irrespective of the circumstances | N1 |
によらず niyorazu
Without regard to; not dependent on; contrary to what one would expect
によらず attaches to a noun (or interrogative words like 何) and means something happens or is judged without depending on or being limited by that thing. It often appears in the set phrase 見かけによらず, meaning contrary to appearances.
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人前で話すようなことは何によらず彼はいつも敬遠する。
He tends to shy away from anything that involves public speaking.
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造られたもので、この方によらずできたものは一つもない。
Without him nothing was made that has been made.
にかかわらず・に関/拘/係わらず nikakawarazu ni warazu
Without regard to; irrespective of the circumstances
にかかわらず means something happens without being affected by a condition, often paired with contrasting options like 晴雨 or affirmative and negative verb pairs such as 好むと好まざる. It follows nouns or plain-form verbs, including paired positive and negative forms, and has a formal, written feel.
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私が来るなと言ったのにかかわらず、彼はやってきた。
He came even though I told him not to.
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疲れているいないにかかわらず、彼は作業を続けた。
He carried on working, regardless of whether he was tired or not.
によらず and にかかわらず・に関/拘/係わらず are both JLPT N1 grammar points that Japanese learners often mix up. This page compares them side by side on meanings, usage and example sentences, so you can tell them apart.