8.12 Even though

AI-generated

Overview

Learn to use のに to express unexpected, contradictory, or disappointing results — "even though A, B happened" — conveying the speaker's surprise or dissatisfaction.

～のに is used when the result is unexpected, contradictory, or disappointing given the situation described before it.

A のに B → Even though A is true, B happens (unexpectedly).

Verb (plain) + のに
い-adjective + のに
な-adjective + な + のに
Noun + な + のに

Examples of formation:

The speaker expected a different outcome.

、。

Even though it was raining, they went out.

、。

Even though he was busy, he helped me.

、。

Even though I took medicine, I didn’t get better.

、。

Even though I studied a lot, I failed the exam.

～のに often implies that the speaker is not satisfied with the outcome.

、。

I came early, but it still hasn’t started.

、。

Even though you promised, you didn’t come.

～のに is very common with hypothetical conditionals (～ば, ～たら) to emphasize the nuance of regret: “if only.”

、。

If only I had studied more, I could have passed.

、。

If only I had time, I could have gone.

Sometimes ～のに is left unfinished. The listener is expected to understand the feeling.

きごう…きごう…

Even though I know… (but…).

きごう…きごう…

I want to go, but…

Note that のに can also be の (nominalizer) + に, not the conjunction “even though.” In this usage, ～の turns the verb into a noun, and に marks purpose or suitability.

。

This knife is good for cutting bread.

。

This chair is convenient for sitting for a long time.

～のに vs ～けど / ～が

～のに — surprise, confusion, dissatisfaction, disappointment, complaint
～けど / ～が — neutral contrast

、。

It’s raining, but I’ll go.

、。

Even though it was raining, they went (unexpectedly).

Points to keep in mind

～のに expresses unexpected or disappointing results

Dialogue

きょう今日ははやおき早起きしてじゅんび準備したのに、でんしゃ電車にのりおくれてしまいました乗り遅れてしまいました。かさ傘をもっていった持っていったのに、かえり帰りにわすれて忘れてきてしまいました。いっしょうけんめい一生懸命じゅんび準備したのに、はっぴょう発表があまりうまくいきませんでした。ともだち友達になんど何度もめっせえじメッセージをおくった送ったのに、へんじ返事がきませんでした来ませんでした。せっかくとおく遠くからきた来たのに、おみせお店がしまっていました閉まっていました。きのう昨日はくすり薬をのんだ飲んだのに、きょう今日もまだあたまがいたいです頭が痛いです。たくさんれんしゅう練習したのに、しあい試合にまけてしまいました負けてしまいました。はやく早くいった行ったのに、せき席がぜんぶ全部うまっていました埋まっていました。すき好きなえいが映画なのに、とちゅう途中でねむってしまいました眠ってしまいました。こんなにどりょく努力しているのに、なかなかじょうたつ上達しないとかんじる感じることもあります。でも、あきらめないようにしています。

Even though I woke up early and got ready today, I missed the train. Even though I took an umbrella, I left it behind on the way home. Even though I prepared hard, my presentation didn't go very well. Even though I sent my friend many messages, there was no reply. Even though I came all the way from far away, the shop was closed. Even though I took medicine yesterday, my head still hurts today. Even though I practised a lot, we lost the match. Even though I arrived early, all the seats were taken. Even though it's a film I love, I fell asleep partway through. There are times when I feel that no matter how hard I try, I'm not making progress. But I try not to give up.

8.11 ～ほど — degree / extent

8.13 Purpose and cause

You are not signed in, so nothing in this lesson is saved.