Grammar Info

N4 Lesson 2: 17/17

のに

Despite, Although, Even though

Structure Legend

Structure

Verb + のに
[い]Adjective + のに
[な]Adjective + + のに
Noun + + のに

Details

  • Register

    Standard

  • 使用域

    一般

About のに

Although のに is often thought of as a simple combination of the particles and , it is actually its own particle, with the meaning of 'despite', or 'in order to'. In this lesson, we will focus primarily on the 'despite' nuance.
Due to のに being a conjunction particle, it can be linked to almost any word type, to show that 'despite (A), (B)'. As with many conjunction particles, な will be required after a noun/な-Adjective, but before のに.
  • 明日(あした)テストがあるのに(かれ)勉強(べんきょう)しないでゲームている
    Despite having a test tomorrow, he is playing games without studying.
  • (なん)納豆(なっとう)(くさ)のに美味(おい)の?
    Why does natto taste good, despite smelling bad?
  • (かれ)イケメンなのにいつも汗臭(あせくさ)
    Even though he is a good looking guy, he always smells like sweat.
  • この(くるま)スポーツカーなのに(おそ)
    Despite being a sports car, this car is slow.
It is also possible to see のに, instead of なのに, but this is something that is only seen in certain dialects, and would be considered incorrect by the vast majority of native speakers.
  • 虫歯(むしば)のに、チョコレート()べたから()(いた)い。
    My tooth hurts because I ate chocolate, despite having a cavity.
Fun Fact
Regardless of having two quite different translations ('despite', and 'in order to'), のに always functions in the same way.
In the situation of '(A) のに, (B)', (B) is/will be the result.
The only difference between how the nuance will be read, is whether the (B) statement is a logical conclusion, or an illogical one. When logical, the meaning is usually 'in order to', when 'illogical', the meaning is usually 'despite'.

Examples

  • (かれ)(いそが)しいのにゲームている

    Despite being busy, he is playing video games.

  • 天気予報(てんきよほう)(わる)かったのに()れた

    Despite the weather forecast being bad, it was sunny.

  • あの(おんな)(ひと)綺麗(きれい)のに彼氏(かれし)いない。

    Despite being pretty, that woman doesn't have a boyfriend.

  • 無理(むり)って()ったのにまだやるの?

    Even though I said it was impossible, you're still going to do it?

  • あまり牛乳(ぎゅうにゅう)がないのにスーパー()った(とき)()わなかったの?

    Even though we are running low on milk, you didn't buy any when you went to the store?

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のに – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (10 in total)

  • Meatdog

    Meatdog

    About 2 months ago

    I am a bit confused on the fun fact that states:

    “Regardless of having two quite different translations (‘despite’, and ‘in order to’), のに always functions in the same way.
    In the situation of ‘(A) のに, (B)’, (B) is/will be the result.
    The only difference between how the nuance will be read, is whether the (B) statement is a logical conclusion, or an illogical one. When logical, the meaning is usually ‘in order to’, when ‘illogical’, the meaning is usually ‘despite’.”

    I tried browsing for a sentence that translates to “in order to” but my search has come up flat. What would be an example of an logical sentence that would translate to “in order to”?

  • IcyIceBear

    IcyIceBear

    About 2 months ago

    I’m baaaaack
    Separate grammar lessons

    In order to

  • Meatdog

    Meatdog

    About 1 month ago

    Haha, back again! Thanks again, it seems like what Im looking for is in another grammar lesson

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