〜をよそに (regardless of / oblivious to / ignoring)
N1 grammar pattern 〜をよそに: expressing that someone proceeds obliviously or indifferently to something (worries, expectations, circumstances) that should be relevant to them.
〜をよそに
Formality Level: Semi-formal to Formal — formal writing, literary prose, editorial commentary
Classical Origin: よそ (yoso) means "other place / elsewhere / something unrelated." 〜をよそに literally means "sending X to a distant/unrelated place" — treating X as if it were irrelevant or far away. The pattern expresses that the subject acts as if the mentioned concern, expectation, or circumstance has nothing to do with them.
Structure
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| Noun + をよそに | 周囲の心配をよそに |
| Noun phrase + をよそに | 批判の声をよそに |
Meaning
"Regardless of X / Oblivious to X / Ignoring X / As if X were someone else's concern"
The subject proceeds with their action while X (worry, expectation, opposition, circumstances) exists and should be relevant but is being disregarded — whether intentionally or out of unawareness.
Example Sentences
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| 周囲の心配をよそに、彼は単身で危険な山岳地帯に向かった。 | Oblivious to the concerns of those around him, he headed alone into the dangerous mountain terrain. |
| 批判の声をよそに、政府は計画の推進を続けた。 | Regardless of the voices of criticism, the government continued to push forward with the plan. |
| 親の反対をよそに、彼女は夢を追って海外へ旅立った。 | Ignoring her parents' opposition, she set off overseas to pursue her dream. |
| 世間の目をよそに、二人は幸せそうに歩いていた。 | Oblivious to the public eye, the two walked looking happy together. |
| 混乱した状況をよそに、子供たちは無邪気に遊んでいた。 | Oblivious to the confused situation, the children played innocently. |
Comparison with Related Patterns
| Pattern | Register | Meaning | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 〜をよそに | Semi-formal | Oblivious/indifferent to X (subject ignores X) | Subject is unaffected by or ignoring X |
| 〜をものともせず | Semi-formal | Undaunted by X | Subject is aware of X but not deterred; X is more of an obstacle |
| 〜にかかわらず | Semi-formal | Regardless of X | X is formally irrelevant (rule/condition); no emotional indifference |
| 〜を無視して | All registers | Ignoring X (intentional) | More explicit/critical; intentional dismissal |
When NOT to Use
- Do not use when the subject is openly confronting or responding to X: をよそに implies indifference or obliviousness — the subject acts as if X doesn't exist. If the subject is actively responding to X, use 〜にもかかわらず or 〜をものともせず.
- Do not confuse with をよそにする (to treat as someone else's business): The set phrase 〜をよそにする means "to treat something as another's concern; to act as if it has nothing to do with oneself." Similar meaning but used in different grammatical positions.