This means someone does something without caring about a situation. They ignore what others think or feel. It often shows that their actions are not good.
Noun + をよそにPrimary
This means someone does something without caring about a situation. They ignore what others think or feel. It often shows that their actions are not good.
住民の反対をよそに、ダムの建設は計画通り進められた。
Disregarding the residents' opposition, the dam construction proceeded as planned.
彼は周りの心配をよそに、一人で危険な山に登ってしまった。
Ignoring the worries of those around him, he went and climbed the dangerous mountain by himself.
親の期待をよそに、彼は大学に進学しなかった。
Ignoring his parents' expectations, he did not go on to university.
市場全体の不況をよそに、その会社の株価だけが上昇を続けている。
In defiance of the overall market recession, only that company's stock price continues to rise.
家族の大騒ぎをよそに、猫はのんびりと昼寝をしている。
Paying no mind to the family's commotion, the cat is taking a leisurely nap.
This phrase shows strong disapproval. Someone is acting selfishly. They are ignoring things they should care about. This could be other people's feelings. It could be rules or a serious situation.
This is like `〜も構わず` (mo kamawazu). But `〜をよそに` is more formal. It shows someone ignores feelings or rules. `〜をものともせずに` (o mono tomo sezu ni) is different. It praises someone for being strong. `〜をよそに` often means you think someone is wrong. `〜を顧みず` (o kaerimizu) means someone bravely ignores danger. You cannot use `〜をよそに` for that.
Don't use this when you ignore a physical thing. For example, you can't ignore "a chair."
Often confused with(1)
Contrasts with(1)
More formal alternatives(1)
Less formal alternatives(3)
Track your mastery
Kumi's KMT system tracks your mastery across kanji, vocabulary, grammar, and reading. Create a free account to use it on 220,000+ concepts.