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JLPT N1 Very formal / literary

A to iwazu B to iwazu

Expresses 'both A and B' or 'be it A or B'; applies to both without distinction.

Formal, literary - one of several near-interchangeable "whether A or B" constructions; stylistic choice more than a formality ladder.

Formation

Explanation

The grammar pattern AといわずBといわず means 'be it A or B' or 'both A and B.' It emphasizes that something applies widely, without distinguishing between A and B.

Example sentences

  • Be it winter or summer, he always eats ice cream.

    Fuyu to iwazu natsu to iwazu, kare wa itsumo aisukuriimu o tabemasu.

  • Whether old or young, everyone can enjoy that event.

    Oi to iwazu wakaki to iwazu, subete no hito ga sono ibento o tanoshimemasu.

  • Be it men or women, everyone will enjoy this movie.

    Otoko to iwazu onna to iwazu, daremo ga kono eiga o tanoshimu deshou.

  • Be it Monday or Tuesday, that shop is busy every day.

    Getsu to iwazu ka to iwazu, ano mise wa mainichi konde imasu.

Regardless (Whether A Or B)