Grammar Info

N4 Lesson 2: 17/17

のに Despite, Although, Even though

Structure

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

Details

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About のに

Although のに is often thought of as a simple combination of the particles の and に, 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.

It is also possible to see だのに, 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.

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

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    無理(むり)って言(い)ったのにまだやるの？

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

    彼(かれ)は忙(いそが)しいのに、ゲームをしている。

    Despite being busy, he is playing video games. (even though)

    天気予報(てんきよほう)は悪(わる)かったのに、晴(は)れた。

    Despite the weather forecast being bad, it was sunny. (even though)

    あの女(おんな)の人(ひと)はきれいなのに、彼氏(かれし)がいない。

    Despite being pretty, that woman doesn't have a boyfriend. (even though)

    あまり牛乳(ぎゅうにゅう)がないのにスーパーに行(い)った時(とき)買(か)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? (despite)

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のに – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (10 in total)

  • Meatdog

    Meatdog

    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

    I’m baaaaack
    Separate grammar lessons

    In order to

  • Meatdog

    Meatdog

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

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