JLPT N1 grammar

〜を余所にmeaning and usage

Meaning

Without regard to A; Ignoring A; Despite A

How to form it

  • nounをよそに

How it is used

'Paying no heed to A': A is usually other people's 「心配」, 「期待」 or 「反対」, or the surroundings, and what follows is unaffected by it, often with criticism or surprise. Written; usually spelled in kana, 「よそに」.

Examples

  1. 彼女は私たちの興奮を余所に一人押し黙っていた。

    Despite our excitement, she remained silent.

  2. 連休中の観光地の混雑をよそに、この小さな村はひっそりとしていた。

    Untouched by the holiday crowds at the tourist spots, this little village stayed quiet.

  3. 周囲の期待をよそに、彼は家業を継がずに画家になった。

    Paying no heed to what everyone expected, he became a painter instead of taking over the family business.