At a glance
をよそに means "despite" or "paying no attention to". The subject goes ahead with something and ignores other people's worries, expectations or opposition. It is mainly used in written and formal Japanese.
[Noun] をよそに、[Main clause]
周囲の反対をよそに、二人は結婚した。 The two got married despite the opposition of those around them.
How to form it
| Attaches to | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | Noun + をよそに | 親の心配をよそに |
| Verb clause | Plain form + の + をよそに | 親が心配するのをよそに |
| Register | Written, formal, news | Rare in casual conversation |
A verb cannot come directly before を. Add の to turn the clause into a noun.