Japanese grammar
What does ～といわず～といわず mean? Japanese grammar N1
～といわず～といわず means everywhere / all the time; whether… or….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + といわず + N + といわず |
| Romaji | toiwazu toiwazu |
| Meaning | everywhere / all the time; whether… or… |
Forming it
| Time | 昼 + といわず + 夜 + といわず |
|---|---|
| Body part | 手 + といわず + 顔 + といわず |
How to use it
States two representative examples to say the ENTIRE thing is the same, without distinction.
- 「～といわず～といわず」 states two representative examples to imply the ENTIRE thing is like that: “not just A or B — everywhere/every time...”.
- Often used with body parts, places, and time.
- Different from 「～といい～といい」 (choosing two aspects to EVALUATE): this pattern emphasizes the WHOLE scope, without distinction.
Examples
手といわず顔といわず、泥だらけになった。
Hands, face — he was covered in mud all over.
昼といわず夜といわず、工事の音がうるさい。
Day or night, the construction noise is relentless.
Keep in mind
- The two nouns are the same type (place/time/body part).
- The following clause states an overarching condition.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong色といわずデザインといわず、すばらしい。
Whether it's the color or the design, every aspect is wonderful.
Correct色といいデザインといい、すばらしい。
Stating two aspects to EVALUATE uses 「といい～といい」; 「といわず」 emphasizes the whole scope.
-
Wrong手といわず、泥だらけだ。
Not just his hands or his face, everywhere was covered in mud.
Correct手といわず顔といわず、泥だらけだ。
This pattern comes in a PAIR of two clauses.
Exam tips
- 「といわず～といわず」 = everywhere/every time (the whole scope); different from 「といい」 (evaluation).