いかん
いかん
noun
how; in what way; depending on
1.
how; in what way; the state of things
A formal word meaning "how" or "in what manner." Used to refer to the nature or state of something, often in combination with particles to create grammatical patterns.
結果のいかんを問わない。
Regardless of the outcome.
事のいかんによっては対策を講じる。
Depending on the circumstances, we will take measures.
2.
depending on; regardless of
When combined with specific particles, creates fixed patterns meaning "depending on" (〜いかんで/いかんによって) or "regardless of" (〜いかんにかかわらず/いかんによらず).
事のいかんによっては対策を講じる。
Depending on the circumstances, we will take measures.
成績のいかんに関わらず全員参加だ。
Everyone participates regardless of their grades.
今後の対応いかんで結果が変わる。
The outcome will change depending on the response going forward.
理由のいかんを問わず、遅刻は認められない。
Tardiness is not permitted regardless of the reason.
努力いかんで結果は大きく変わる。
The results change greatly depending on one's effort.
A formal, literary word written in hiragana. Can also be written as 如何 using kanji, though hiragana is more common in modern usage. Functions as a noun but is almost always used in fixed grammatical patterns.
KEY PATTERNS:
- 〜のいかんを問わず: regardless of (very formal)
- 〜のいかんに関わらず: regardless of (formal)
- 〜のいかんによらず: regardless of (formal)
- 〜いかんで: depending on
- 〜いかんによっては: depending on (the case)
- 〜いかんにかかわらず: regardless of
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 〜にかかわらず: regardless of — more common, less formal version
- 〜次第で: depending on — everyday equivalent of 〜いかんで
- 〜を問わず: regardless of — similar pattern but without いかん
- 〜によって: depending on — the standard neutral equivalent
REGISTER:
Formal to very formal. Common in legal documents, official announcements, business communications, and news. Rarely used in casual conversation.