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although; despite
Definition
The grammar pattern "Plain form + のに (Na/N + なのに)" is used to express a contradiction between what is expected and what actually happened, often with a nuance of surprise, disappointment, or complaint. It can be translated to 'although', 'despite', or 'but'. This pattern is commonly used to express a contrast between two situations or expectations.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Plain form | Verb (plain form) + のに (Na/N + なのに) | 勉強したのにもう点数が悪かった |
| Na-adjective (plain form) | Na-adjective (plain form) + のに (なのに) | 大変な仕事のにもう疲れている |
| Noun (plain form) | Noun (plain form) + のに (なのに) | 会社のにもう休みが必要だ |
Examples
一生懸命勉強したのにもう点数が悪かったです。
Isshokenmei benkyou shita no ni mo mada ten-suu ga warui desu.
Despite studying hard, my grades are still bad.
一生懸命勉強した (studied hard) + のに (despite) + もう (still) + 点数が悪かった (grades are bad)
日曜日は仕事をしなければなりませんのにもう休みが欲しいです。
Nichiyoubi wa hataraku bekarimasen no ni mo yasumi ga hoshii desu.
Despite having Sundays off, I still want to take a break.
日曜日は仕事をしなければなりません (have to work on Sundays) + のに (despite) + もう (still) + 休みが欲しい (want to take a break)
この携帯電話は高いのにすぐ壊れてしまいました。
Kono keitai denwa wa takai no ni mo sugu kowarete shimaimashita.
Despite being expensive, this phone broke quickly.
この携帯電話は高い (this phone is expensive) + のに (despite) + すぐ (quickly) + 壊れてしまった (broke)
Context
This pattern is used to express a contrast between two situations or expectations. It is commonly used in casual conversations and writing. The nuance of surprise, disappointment, or complaint can be conveyed through the tone and context of the sentence.
Watch out
For example, '勉強するのにもう疲れている' means 'I'm tired of studying for the purpose of getting good grades'.
For example, '会社のにもう休みが必要だ' means 'Despite being a company, I need a break'.
For example, '勉強したが、点数が悪かった' means 'I studied, but my grades are bad'.
Strategy
Pay attention to the nuance of surprise, disappointment, or complaint conveyed by the pattern. Make sure to use the correct form and particle to convey the intended meaning.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows Plain form + のに (Na/N + なのに) used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
一生懸命勉強したのに、点数が悪かったです。
Pattern used: のに
'No ni' expresses the unexpected negative result despite the hard work.
日曜日なのに、仕事をしなければなりません。
Pattern used: なのに
Nouns require 'na' before 'no ni' to mean 'even though it is...'.
この携帯電話は高いのに、すぐ壊れてしまいました。
Pattern used: のに
Trap: 'No ni' for 'although' focuses on the speaker's disappointment.
Interactive
一生懸命勉強した______、点数が悪かったです。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.