Structure Legend
Structure
Verb + のに
[い]Adjective + のに
[な]Adjective + な + のに
Noun + な + のに
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Standard
使用域
一般
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.
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'.
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.
- 明日テストがあるのに彼は勉強をしないでゲームをしている。Despite having a test tomorrow, he is playing games without studying.
- 何で納豆は臭いのに美味しいの?Why does natto taste good, despite smelling bad?
- 彼はイケメンなのにいつも汗臭い。Even though he is a good looking guy, he always smells like sweat.
- この車はスポーツカーなのに遅い。Despite being a sports car, this car is slow.
- 虫歯だのに、チョコレートを食べたから歯が痛い。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'.
Synonyms
ものの
Although, But, Even Though
Not studied yet
にしても
Even though, Even if, Even when, Also
Not studied yet
くせに
Even though, And yet, Despite
Not studied yet
ながらも
But, Even while, Even though, Despite, Although
Not studied yet
それなのに
And yet, Despite this
Not studied yet
それでも
But still, And yet, Even so, Nevertheless
Not studied yet
Examples
彼は忙しいのに、ゲームをしている。
Despite being busy, he is playing video games.
天気予報は悪かったのに、晴れた。
Despite the weather forecast being bad, it was sunny.
あの女の人は綺麗なのに、彼氏がいない。
Despite being pretty, that woman doesn't have a boyfriend.
無理って言ったのにまだやるの?
Even though I said it was impossible, you're still going to do it?
あまり牛乳がないのにスーパーに行った時買わなかったの?
Even though we are running low on milk, you didn't buy any when you went to the store?
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Online
How to use のに
MaggieSensei
のに
LearnJapaneseAdventure
Using 「のに」 to mean “despite”
Tae Kim
The particle のに
Imabi
Offline
Genki II 2nd Edition
Page 238
みんなの日本語 II
Page 126 [CH 45]
[DBJG] A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
Page 331
Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide
Page 109
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のに – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (10 in total)
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
About 2 months ago
I’m baaaaack
Separate grammar lessonsIn order to
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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