JLPT N4 Grammar
· Elementary
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· Elementary
although; despite
Category: Particles & Connectors
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.
| 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 |
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)
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.
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'.
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.
一生懸命勉強した______、点数が悪かったです。
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