ものの | Grammar

Structure

[verb (plain)] + ものの [i-adj] + ものの [na-adj] + な / である + ものの [noun] + である + ものの

Description

ものの means "although": the first half is true, but what follows is not what it would lead you to expect. It goes after the plain form of a verb or an い-adjective; a な-adjective takes な or である, and a noun takes である.

、。

Although I studied Japanese, I can't speak it at all.

、。

Even though I took medicine, my fever didn't go down.

、。

Although that film is famous, few people have actually seen it.

A noun cannot take ものの on its own or with だ: ×学生ものの, ×学生だものの → がくせい学生であるものの.

ものの belongs to writing, news and formal speech. In conversation you would say けど or のに.

Most often the first half is a past action – you did something – and the second half is the result that did not follow, frequently a disappointment.

、。

Although I got the qualification, I can't find a job where I can use it.

、。

I started a diet, but gave up after three days.

The second half reports a fact. It cannot be a request, an order or something you intend to do.

× 高いものの、買いましょう → 高いけど、買いましょう

ものの or のに

complains: the speaker is frustrated or surprised. ものの acknowledges the first fact calmly and states the second, which suits writing.

、。

I studied, and I still failed!

、。

Although I studied, I did not manage to pass.

Examples

、。

Although I bought a new computer, I don't really know how to use it.

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Even though I started a diet, I gave up after three days.

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Although I was invited, I'm unsure whether to go or not.

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Although I do want to study abroad, I don't have enough money.

、。

Even though I read the instructions, I still didn't understand well.

、。

Although I changed jobs, there are times I think my previous company was better.

、。

Although that movie is famous, few people have actually seen it.

、。

Even though I've lived in Japan for 10 years, honorific language is still difficult.

、。

Although I apologized, she didn't forgive me.

、。

Although the cooking itself is easy, gathering the ingredients is a hassle.

、。

Although I made a plan, I haven't been able to put it into action.

、。

Although what he says is correct, I can't bring myself to accept it.

References

もののBunpro