Japanese grammar
What does ～をものともせずに mean? Japanese grammar N1
～をものともせずに means undaunted by…; in defiance of….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N (difficulty) + をものともせずに |
| Romaji | womonotomosezuni |
| Meaning | undaunted by…; in defiance of… |
Forming it
| Noun (injury) | けが + をものともせずに |
|---|---|
| Noun (weather) | 悪天候 + をものともせずに |
How to use it
Praises someone for bravely overcoming difficulty A. Not used for the speaker themselves.
- 「～をものともせずに」 = despite difficulty A, still acting; carries a nuance of PRAISING bravery.
- A must be a difficulty/obstacle (悪天候 bad weather, けが injury, 批判 criticism, 危険 danger).
- NOT used for the speaker's own action (self-praise).
Examples
彼女は悪天候をものともせずに山頂を目指した。
Undaunted by the terrible weather, she pressed on toward the summit.
彼はけがをものともせずに試合に出場した。
Undeterred by his injury, he took part in the match.
Keep in mind
- A is a difficulty/obstacle.
- The subject is someone else, not the speaker.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong私は悪天候をものともせずに出かけた。
I went out despite the bad weather.
Correct彼は悪天候をものともせずに出かけた。
This pattern PRAISES someone else; it is not used for oneself.
-
Wrong好天をものともせずに出かけた。
Despite the fine weather, [I/he] still went out.
Correct悪天候をものともせずに出かけた。
A must be a DIFFICULTY/obstacle, not something favorable.
Exam tips
- 「をものともせずに」 = despite difficulty (praising someone else); not used for oneself.