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.
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).
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.
Common 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
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Formal to very formal. Common in legal documents, official announcements, business communications, and news. Rarely used in casual conversation.