In Defiance Of: をものともせず

Meaning & Usage

The grammar pattern 「をものともせず」 (o mono to sezu) is a formal and impactful expression. It describes someone taking action or achieving a goal in defiance of, without being deterred by, or despite a significant obstacle, difficulty, or negative circumstance. This phrase highlights the subject's exceptional determination, resilience, courage, or strength when facing adversity. It conveys a strong sense of admiration or even amazement from the speaker, emphasizing that the impediment was severe enough to typically halt progress, yet the subject overcame or simply disregarded it.

When you encounter 「をものともせず」, understand that it underscores an impressive feat. The 'obstacle' noun preceding this pattern is typically something formidable, such as natural disasters, severe illness, widespread criticism, extreme weather, or overwhelming difficulties. The subsequent action is then presented as a testament to the subject's willpower. This expression is frequently found in written language like newspaper articles, biographies, literary works, and formal speeches, serving to commend someone's perseverance or report an extraordinary achievement.

While English offers several phrases with similar sentiments, none perfectly capture the specific formal and admiring tone of 「をものともせず」. Phrases such as "in defiance of the storm," "despite severe criticism," or "unfazed by the pain" offer close parallels. However, 「をものともせず」 often implies a more active overcoming or outright dismissal of the obstacle, rather than merely acknowledging its existence while proceeding. It suggests that the formidable obstacle (X) was present, yet the subject regarded it as inconsequential, leading to an impressive outcome (Y).

This phrase is primarily used in formal or literary contexts, rarely appearing in casual conversation. Its application elevates the subject's actions, portraying them as heroic or exceptionally strong-willed. It is particularly effective for narrators or reporters wishing to express admiration for someone's ability to push through what would typically be insurmountable challenges. The underlying idea is: "Given obstacle X, a normal person would cease their efforts, but this individual treated X as trivial and accomplished Y." This stark contrast between the formidable nature of X and the subject's unwavering resolve is crucial for understanding its usage.

It's important to note that the result of the action (Y) must typically be positive or successful, or at least demonstrate progress. Employing 「をものともせず」 for an action that leads to failure or a negative outcome would sound contradictory, as the grammar intrinsically implies successful overcoming or persistence.

Structure & Formation

The structure of 「をものともせず」 is direct and unchangeable. It invariably follows a noun that represents the obstacle or difficulty. The pattern functions adverbially, modifying the verb or clause that describes the action taken despite the impediment.

The noun preceding 「をものともせず」 must unequivocally represent a significant challenge or adverse condition. It is typically a concrete or abstract noun that evokes a strong sense of difficulty or potential hindrance. This pattern does not directly accommodate verbs or adjectives; if you wish to express a verbal or adjectival concept as the obstacle, it must first be nominalized (e.g., using の or こと).

Examples of nouns commonly used with 「をものともせず」 include:

• Natural phenomena: 嵐あらし (storm), 豪雨ごうう (heavy rain), 猛暑もうしょ (intense heat), 猛吹雪もうふぶき (blizzard)

• Physical/Health challenges: 病気びょうき (illness), 怪我けが (injury), 疲労ひろう (fatigue), 満身創痍まんしんそうい (full of wounds/exhausted)

• Social/Emotional obstacles: 世間せけんの批判ひはん (public criticism), 周囲しゅういの反対はんたい (opposition from surroundings), 嘲笑ちょうしょう (ridicule)

• General difficulties: 困難こんなん (difficulty), 苦難くなん (hardship), 逆境ぎゃっきょう (adversity), 貧困ひんこん (poverty)

The key takeaway is that the noun always denotes something that would ordinarily pose a serious impediment, which the subject then proceeds to ignore or overcome with remarkable resolve.

Example Sentences

Overcoming Natural Obstacles

Defying Adversity and Difficulties

Ignoring Criticism or Public Opinion

Other Scenarios of Resilience

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using it for minor obstacles

「をものともせず」 is reserved for significant and imposing difficulties. Using it for trivial inconveniences sounds unnatural and overly dramatic, diminishing the impactful nuance of the phrase.

❌ 雨あめをものともせず、散歩さんぽに出でかけた。

✅ 豪雨ごううをものともせず、救助隊きゅうじょたいは捜索そうさくを続つづけた。

Explanation: A light rain (雨あめ) is generally not a formidable enough obstacle to warrant the use of 「をものともせず」. Heavy rain or a torrential downpour (豪雨ごうう) faced by a rescue team, however, clearly indicates a significant challenge, making their effort admirable.

Mistake 2: Using it when the action does not imply overcoming or success

This pattern implies a successful or determined action that proceeds despite the obstacle. If the action results in failure or is unrelated to overcoming the difficulty, the phrase is misused.

❌ 借金しゃっきんをものともせず、彼かれは会社かいしゃを倒産とうさんさせた。

✅ 多額たがくの借金しゃっきんをものともせず、彼かれは事業じぎょうを立たち直なおした。

Explanation: The first sentence implies bankruptcy despite the debt, which directly contradicts the inherent nuance of 'overcoming' present in this grammar pattern. The corrected sentence, conversely, highlights the determination to rebuild a business in the face of substantial debts, aligning with the pattern's meaning.

Mistake 3: Incorrect particle usage

The particle 「を」 is fixed in this structure. Using other particles will be grammatically incorrect.

❌ 困難こんなんがものともせず、彼かれは進すすんだ。

✅ 困難こんなんをものともせず、彼かれは進すすんだ。

Explanation: The particle 「を」 marks the direct object of a verb, and within this fixed phrase, it is integral to conveying the meaning of "taking something as nothing" or "defying something." Using 「が」 alters the grammatical function and renders the phrase nonsensical.

Mistake 4: Applying it to actions that lack admirable intent or result

「をものともせず」 typically conveys admiration for the subject's effort or outcome. Using it for actions that are expected, mundane, or even selfish would be inappropriate.

❌ 親おやの心配しんぱいをものともせず、彼かれはゲームゲームを続つづけた。

✅ 周囲しゅういの無理解むりかいをものともせず、彼かれは研究けんきゅうに没頭ぼっとうした。

Explanation: While a child might ignore parental worries, playing games does not typically evoke the sense of admirable perseverance implied by 「をものともせず」. The corrected example, however, illustrates someone ignoring a genuine obstacle—a lack of understanding—to pursue a worthy goal like research, which perfectly aligns with the grammar's admiring tone.

Cultural Notes

The usage of 「をものともせず」 profoundly reflects certain aspects of Japanese culture, particularly the strong emphasis on perseverance (根性 - konjou) and endurance (忍耐 - nintai) in the face of hardship. This phrase often appears in narratives celebrating individuals or groups who overcome incredible odds through sheer will and effort. You will frequently encounter this grammar point in inspiring stories or those highlighting admirable human qualities, such as biographies of historical figures, accounts of athletes achieving victory against all odds, or news reports detailing heroic efforts during disasters.

Because of its formal and almost dramatic tone, this expression elevates the described action beyond the ordinary. It suggests that the individual or group in question possesses remarkable mental fortitude, treating what others would perceive as a crippling barrier as merely a minor inconvenience. This perspective aligns with the cultural value placed on resilience and stoicism in the face of difficulties. While many Western cultures might emphasize acknowledging and struggling with challenges, 「をものともせず」 distinctly focuses on the triumph over adversity, almost to the point of rendering the struggle itself inconsequential to the determined individual.

It's important to remember that while this phrase conveys admiration, it is rarely used in a self-deprecating manner or to describe one's own struggles. Instead, it is typically employed by an observer or narrator to commend someone else's impressive efforts. Its literary quality also makes it a staple in formal writing, serving as a good indicator of advanced Japanese comprehension when encountered.

JLPT Tips

For the JLPT N1 exam, understanding 「をものともせず」 requires careful attention to its specific nuances and context. Focus on recognizing the phrase's inherent implication: a subject demonstrating extraordinary resolve or strength against a formidable challenge. When you encounter this pattern, immediately consider the nature of the noun it modifies—is it indeed a truly significant obstacle?

Practice distinguishing 「をものともせず」 from similar-sounding grammar points like 「～にもかかわらず」 and 「～をよそに」. The key differentiator lies in the strong sense of admiration and active defiance/overcoming that 「をものともせず」 conveys. If a sentence describes an admirable feat performed despite severe difficulty, 「をものともせず」 is likely the correct choice. If it merely states a fact about something happening contrary to expectation, 「～にもかかわらず」 might be more appropriate. If it concerns ignoring someone else's concerns or expectations, 「～をよそに」 would be the suitable fit.

Pay close attention to the particles. The particle 「を」 is fixed, indicating the obstacle being defied or disregarded. Sentences employing this grammar point often highlight an individual's strong will, persistence, or courage. Look for contextual keywords that emphasize difficulty or resilience, such as 困難こんなん (konnan - difficulty), 苦難くなん (kunan - hardship), 挑戦ちょうせん (chousen - challenge), or 達成たっせい (tassei - achievement).

Finally, remember its formal and literary tone. In the exam, it will likely appear in more elevated or written passages rather than casual dialogue. Understanding this stylistic aspect will further assist you in selecting the correct answer for context questions.