# を顧みず / も顧みず: despite; without considering; not worrying about; regardless of ~

> Learn how to use を顧みず / も顧みず, a JLPT N1 Japanese grammar point meaning despite; without considering; regardless of ~, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N1 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n1-o-kaerimizu-mo-kaerimizu/

**を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず** means **despite; without considering; not worrying about; regardless of ~**. It is a **JLPT N1** Japanese grammar pattern used to express that someone acts while deliberately ignoring a risk, standard, consequence, or opposition that would normally hold them back.

This grammar point often appears in news reports, editorials, formal narratives, and JLPT N1 reading passages. If you want to express that a person does something bold or reckless by consciously setting aside a concern, **を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず** is a useful pattern to learn because it adds a sharp, evaluative tone to your Japanese.

## What does を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず mean?

Use **を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず** when you want to express that someone acts while deliberately ignoring a risk, standard, consequence, or opposition that would normally hold them back.

Natural translations include:
- despite; without considering; not worrying about; regardless of ~

The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice what is being ignored first, then choose the English phrase that fits that context.

## How to form を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず

<div class="formation">
  <span class="ftoken t-core">Noun</span>
  <span class="fplus">+</span>
  <span class="ftoken t-conn">を</span>
  <span class="ftoken t-aux"><ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず</span>
</div>
<div class="formation">
  <span class="ftoken t-core">Noun</span>
  <span class="fplus">+</span>
  <span class="ftoken t-conn">も</span>
  <span class="ftoken t-aux"><ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず</span>
</div>

<p><strong>を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず</strong> attaches to a noun that represents the thing being disregarded. The <strong>も</strong> variant adds the sense of “even” — the person does not even consider that thing.</p>

Examples of the pattern:
- <ruby>危険<rp>(</rp><rt>きけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>を<rt>を</rt></ruby><ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず — disregarding danger
- <ruby>反対<rp>(</rp><rt>はんたい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>も<rt>も</rt></ruby><ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず — without even considering opposition
- <ruby>周囲<rt>しゅうい</rt></ruby>の<ruby>目<rt>め</rt></ruby>を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず — paying no attention to what others think

In JLPT questions, wrong answer choices often use a similar concept but attach it to the wrong grammatical structure. Make sure you recognise the noun + を/も + <ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず pattern.

## When is を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず used?

Use **を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず** in situations like:
- describing a person who takes a risk despite obvious danger
- reporting on someone who acts boldly against criticism or social norms
- highlighting a surprising commitment that ignores personal cost
- narrating events where conscious disregard is the key to the action

Tone and register:
- formal or literary; frequently appears in written media and formal speech
- carries a judgement — either admiration for bravery or criticism for recklessness
- rarely used in casual, everyday conversation

## を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず example sentences

<div class="examples">
  <div class="example">
    <div class="example-jp">
      <ruby>消防士<rt>しょうぼうし</rt></ruby>は<ruby>危険<rt>きけん</rt></ruby>を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず、<ruby>燃<rt>も</rt></ruby>える<ruby>建物<rt>たてもの</rt></ruby>に<ruby>飛<rt>と</rt></ruby>び<ruby>込<rt>こ</rt></ruby>んだ。
    </div>
    <div class="example-en">The firefighter rushed into the burning building, disregarding the danger.</div>
    <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag"><ruby>危険<rp>(</rp><rt>きけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず — action in spite of clear risk</span></div>
  </div>
  <div class="example">
    <div class="example-jp">
      <ruby>彼<rt>かれ</rt></ruby>は<ruby>周囲<rt>しゅうい</rt></ruby>の<ruby>反対<rt>はんたい</rt></ruby>も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず、<ruby>辞職<rt>じしょく</rt></ruby>した。
    </div>
    <div class="example-en">He resigned, ignoring even the objections from those around him.</div>
    <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag"><ruby>反対<rp>(</rp><rt>はんたい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず — without even considering opposition</span></div>
  </div>
  <div class="example">
    <div class="example-jp">
      <ruby>医者<rt>いしゃ</rt></ruby>は<ruby>自分<rt>じぶん</rt></ruby>の<ruby>健康<rt>けんこう</rt></ruby>を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず、<ruby>患者<rt>かんじゃ</rt></ruby>の<ruby>治療<rt>ちりょう</rt></ruby>に<ruby>専念<rt>せんねん</rt></ruby>した。
    </div>
    <div class="example-en">The doctor dedicated himself to treating patients, without regard for his own health.</div>
    <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag"><ruby>健康<rp>(</rp><rt>けんこう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず — sacrificing personal well-being</span></div>
  </div>
  <div class="example">
    <div class="example-jp">
      <ruby>政府<rt>せいふ</rt></ruby>は<ruby>国際<rt>こくさい</rt></ruby>の<ruby>批判<rt>ひはん</rt></ruby>を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず、<ruby>政策<rt>せいさく</rt></ruby>を<ruby>続行<rt>ぞっこう</rt></ruby>した。
    </div>
    <div class="example-en">The government continued its policy, disregarding international criticism.</div>
    <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag"><ruby>批判<rp>(</rp><rt>ひはん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず — ignoring external criticism</span></div>
  </div>
  <div class="example">
    <div class="example-jp">
      <ruby>彼女<rt>かのじょ</rt></ruby>は<ruby>世間体<rt>せけんてい</rt></ruby>も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず、<ruby>自分<rt>じぶん</rt></ruby>の<ruby>信念<rt>しんねん</rt></ruby>を<ruby>貫<rt>つらぬ</rt></ruby>いた。
    </div>
    <div class="example-en">She stuck to her convictions without even caring about public appearances.</div>
    <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag"><ruby>世間<rp>(</rp><rt>せけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>体<rp>(</rp><rt>たい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず — not even considering how it looks to society</span></div>
  </div>
</div>

After reading each sentence, ask what job **を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず** is doing: highlighting that the subject ignored something that would normally deter or restrain them. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation.

## Nuance of を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず

The key nuance is **conscious disregard of something significant — danger, norms, personal cost, or consequences**. The speaker evaluates the action, either admiring the courage or criticising the recklessness.

This matters because learners often treat を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず as a simple synonym for “without,” but the pattern always carries the weight of what is being ignored. The noun before を / も is typically something with clear gravity: <ruby>危険<rp>(</rp><rt>きけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, <ruby>反対<rp>(</rp><rt>はんたい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, <ruby>犠牲<rp>(</rp><rt>ぎせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, <ruby>批判<rp>(</rp><rt>ひはん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, <ruby>常識<rp>(</rp><rt>じょうしき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>. The sentence implies that a normal person would hesitate; the subject does not.

For example:
- “<ruby>彼<rp>(</rp><rt>かれ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>は<ruby>雨<rp>(</rp><rt>あめ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>中<rp>(</rp><rt>なか</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず<ruby>出かけ<rp>(</rp><rt>でかけ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>た” sounds unnatural because rain is not a heavy enough concern. Use ～にもかかわらず or ～をものともせず for physical conditions.
- The pattern works best when the disregard is a defining trait of the action, not just a side note.

## を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず vs もかまわず

Both **を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず** and **もかまわず** can express that someone acts without caring about something, but they are different.

**を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず**:
- disregards something significant and normally restraining
- formal, evaluative; often used in news, reports, literature
- the ignored noun is a serious obstacle, risk, or social norm

**もかまわず**:
- not caring about a relatively minor or situational factor
- less formal; can be used for personal indifference or lack of manners
- the ignored noun might be noise, weather, people’s presence, rules of politeness

Quick contrast examples:
- <ruby>危険<rp>(</rp><rt>きけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず<ruby>救助<rp>(</rp><rt>きゅうじょ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>向かっ<rp>(</rp><rt>むかっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>た。 — He went to rescue, disregarding the danger. (formal, dramatic)
- <ruby>彼<rp>(</rp><rt>かれ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>は<ruby>人目<rp>(</rp><rt>ひとめ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>もかまわず<ruby>泣い<rp>(</rp><rt>ない</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>た。 — He cried without caring about others watching. (more casual, less weighty)

If both translations seem possible, check the weight of what is ignored and the overall tone. を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず elevates the action; もかまわず often highlights social obliviousness.

## Common mistakes with を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず

Watch out for these mistakes:

<div class="mistakes">
  <div class="mistake">
    <div class="mline bad"><span class="mark bad">❌</span> <span class="mline-body"><ruby>寒<rp>(</rp><rt>さむ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>さを<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず<ruby>外<rp>(</rp><rt>そと</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>出<rp>(</rp><rt>で</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>た。</span></div>
    <div class="mline good"><span class="mark good">✅</span> <span class="mline-body"><ruby>寒<rp>(</rp><rt>さむ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>さもかまわず<ruby>外<rp>(</rp><rt>そと</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>出<rp>(</rp><rt>で</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>た。</span></div>
    <div class="note">Cold weather alone is not a heavy enough concern for the evaluative weight of <ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず. Use もかまわず or にもかかわらず for physical conditions.</div>
  </div>
  <div class="mistake">
    <div class="mline bad"><span class="mark bad">❌</span> <span class="mline-body"><ruby>彼<rp>(</rp><rt>かれ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>は<ruby>家族<rp>(</rp><rt>かぞく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>心配<rp>(</rp><rt>しんぱい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず、<ruby>旅行<rp>(</rp><rt>りょこう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>楽しん<rp>(</rp><rt>たのしん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>だ。</span></div>
    <div class="mline good"><span class="mark good">✅</span> <span class="mline-body"><ruby>彼<rp>(</rp><rt>かれ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>は<ruby>家族<rp>(</rp><rt>かぞく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>心配<rp>(</rp><rt>しんぱい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>にもかかわらず、<ruby>旅行<rp>(</rp><rt>りょこう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>楽しん<rp>(</rp><rt>たのしん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>だ。</span></div>
    <div class="note">If the family's worry is simply background and not something defied by a bold action, <ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず feels too dramatic. にもかかわらず is neutral.</div>
  </div>
</div>

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず** and then try replacing it with **もかまわず** or **にもかかわらず**. If the tone shifts from formal evaluation to simple indifference, you are on the right track.

## Is を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず on the JLPT?

<div class="jlpt-card">
  <div class="jlpt-shield">N1</div>
  <div class="jlpt-info">
    <p><strong>を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず</strong> is tested at <strong>JLPT N1</strong> level.</p>
    <div class="jlpt-checks">
      <span>📖 Reading comprehension — recognise the evaluation of disregard</span>
      <span>✍️ Vocabulary / grammar section — choose correct structure after a noun</span>
      <span>🎧 Rarely appears in listening at N1</span>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences where the weight of the ignored noun is clear. JLPT N1 questions often test whether you can identify the nuance of disregard versus simple contrast.

## Practice questions for を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:

<div class="prompts">
  <div class="prompt">
    <div class="prompt-num">1</div>
    <div class="prompt-text">Describe a decision where someone ignored strong criticism and did what they believed was right.</div>
    <div class="prompt-tag"><ruby>批判<rp>(</rp><rt>ひはん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず</div>
  </div>
  <div class="prompt">
    <div class="prompt-num">2</div>
    <div class="prompt-text">Write about a historical figure who sacrificed personal safety for a cause.</div>
    <div class="prompt-tag"><ruby>危険<rp>(</rp><rt>きけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず</div>
  </div>
  <div class="prompt">
    <div class="prompt-num">3</div>
    <div class="prompt-text">Think of a scenario where a company continues with a plan despite public backlash.</div>
    <div class="prompt-tag"><ruby>世論<rp>(</rp><rt>よろん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず</div>
  </div>
  <div class="prompt">
    <div class="prompt-num">4</div>
    <div class="prompt-text">Contrast を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず with もかまわず in a pair of original sentences.</div>
    <div class="prompt-tag">comparison</div>
  </div>
</div>

Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the evaluative nuance becomes clear.

## Learning path for を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず

To learn **を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず** efficiently, start with its formation, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.

<div class="path">
  <div class="path-step">
    <div class="step-num">1</div>
    <div class="step-body">First, make sure you can attach **を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず** and **も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず** to appropriate nouns without hesitation. Write five nouns that carry weight — <ruby>危険<rp>(</rp><rt>きけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, <ruby>反対<rp>(</rp><rt>はんたい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, <ruby>犠牲<rp>(</rp><rt>ぎせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, <ruby>批判<rp>(</rp><rt>ひはん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, <ruby>常識<rp>(</rp><rt>じょうしき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby> — and attach the pattern.</div>
  </div>
  <div class="path-step">
    <div class="step-num">2</div>
    <div class="step-body">Next, compare it with **もかまわず** and **にもかかわらず**. These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the formality and evaluative weight unique to <ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず.</div>
  </div>
  <div class="path-step">
    <div class="step-num">3</div>
    <div class="step-body">Finally, write original sentences where **を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず** is necessary; then check whether replacing it with a related pattern changes the tone from formal disregard to casual indifference.</div>
  </div>
</div>

## Related grammar to review next

- [を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て](/blog/n1-o-fumaete/) — another formal N1 pattern using を with a verbal meaning; learn how to build on information rather than disregard it.
- [を<ruby>経<rp>(</rp><rt>へ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て](/blog/n1-o-hete/) — expresses “through” a process or point; contrasts nicely with the disregard of <ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず.
- [を<ruby>控え<rp>(</rp><rt>ひかえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て](/blog/n1-o-hikaete/) — “with ~ coming up”; both use a noun + を to frame an action, but the stance is cautious anticipation, not bold disregard.
- [をいいことに](/blog/n1-o-ii-koto-ni/) — means “taking advantage of a situation”; this also evaluates an action, but from the angle of opportunism rather than conscious disregard.

## Learn を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず with Hane

If you want to review **を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず / も<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N1 grammar lessons](/blog/n1/)