Grammar › Concession & Contrast
をよそに — “ignoring, in disregard of”
Says an action proceeded while completely ignoring a relevant concern or expectation
Noun + をよそに says something happened while blatantly disregarding a concern, warning, or set of expectations that would normally be relevant — “in disregard of X” or “ignoring X.” It's often used with a slightly critical tone, contrasting one party's obliviousness against a serious backdrop.
How to form it
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| Noun + をよそに | 周囲の反対をよそに、計画を進めた — He pushed the plan forward, ignoring everyone's opposition |
Example sentences
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 親の心配をよそに、彼は一人旅に出た。 | おやのしんぱいをよそに、かれはひとりたびにでた。 oyanoshinpaiwoyosoni、karehahitoritabinideta。 | Ignoring his parents' worry, he set off on a solo trip. |
| 世間の批判をよそに、彼女は自分の信念を貫いた。 | せけんのひはんをよそに、かのじょはじぶんのしんねんをつらぬいた。 sekennohihanwoyosoni、kanojohajibunnoshinnenwotsuranuita。 | Ignoring public criticism, she stuck to her own beliefs. |
| 不況をよそに、この会社は業績を伸ばし続けている。 | ふきょうをよそに、このかいしゃはぎょうせきをのばしつづけている。 fukyouwoyosoni、konokaishahagyousekiwonobashitsuzuketeiru。 | Ignoring the recession, this company keeps growing its results. |
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Watch out
をよそに needs a real, serious concern being ignored (worry, criticism, a crisis) — for a trivial or neutral thing being disregarded, plain を無視して (ignoring) is more natural and less loaded.