Regardless: -ㄴ/은/는 관계없이

This grammar pattern connects two ideas. The first part is the "condition." The second part is the "result." The grammar tells us the condition does not affect the result. It works with nouns, verbs, and adjectives. For nouns, it is quite simple. You just add a particle. For verbs and adjectives, you need a connector. Usually, we use 것과 or 지와. This turns the action into a noun phrase. It is like saying "the fact that..." or "whether or not..." Once you have that, you add 관계없이. The word 관계 means "relation." The word 없이 means "without." So, you are literally saying "without relation to X." It is logical and clean.

1. 1For Nouns: Add (와/과) 관계없이. Use 과 after a consonant. Use 와 after a vowel. Sometimes people drop the particle in casual speech.
2. 2For Verbs/Adjectives (Present): Use the modifier form -는 or -(으)ㄴ followed by 것과 관계없이.
3. 3For "Whether or Not" (Choice): Use -(으)ㄴ/는지와 관계없이. This is very common for opposites like "going or not going."
4. 4For Past Tense: Use -았/었는지와 관계없이.
5. 5For Future Tense: Use -(으)ㄹ지와 관계없이.

Use this when you want to show total independence.

• Real-world scenario: Job Interviews. You might say, "We hire people regardless of their age." This shows fairness.
• Real-world scenario: Ordering Food. "I want this dish regardless of the price." This shows you are hungry (and maybe rich!).
• Real-world scenario: Asking Directions. "Regardless of which bus you take, you will arrive there." This shows multiple paths to one goal.
• Use it for weather, gender, nationality, or personal opinions. It is perfect for making official rules or strong personal statements. It sounds very confident.

Don't use this if the condition actually matters. If the result changes because of the condition, use -기 때문에 instead. Also, avoid using it for very simple, direct causes. For example, don't say "Regardless of being hungry, I ate." That sounds weird. You ate *because* you were hungry. Use it only when you are dismissing a potential obstacle. It is for things that *could* matter but you decide they *don't*. Also, don't use it if you are unsure. This grammar sounds very certain. If you are hesitant, it might feel too strong.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes. The most common mistake is forgetting the 와/과 after a noun. While people skip it in slang, in B2 level writing, you need it. Another mistake is using the wrong modifier. Remember, verbs use -는 and adjectives use -(으)ㄴ. Don't mix them up! A funny mistake is using it with emotions. "Regardless of my love, I will leave." It sounds like a dramatic K-drama line. Use it carefully in emotional contexts. Finally, don't confuse it with -아/어도. That means "even though." It is similar but used for specific instances. 관계없이 is more about general rules or firm stances.

Let's look at 상관없이. They are almost twins. You can swap them 95% of the time. 상관 means "correlation." 관계 means "relation." 상관없이 feels a bit more casual and spoken. 관계없이 feels a bit more formal and written. If you are writing an essay, pick 관계없이. If you are arguing with a friend about where to eat, 상관없이 is fine. Another one is -든지. This means "either A or B." It is more about choosing. 관계없이 is about ignoring the choice entirely. It is a subtle difference, but it matters for your nuance.