By ProDev Teach | Last updated: May 2025
📘 Meaning & Usage
～にもかかわらず is a formal Japanese grammar expression that means “despite,” “even though,” or “although”. It is used to express a contrast between two ideas: something happened or is true even though the natural expectation would be otherwise.
Translation: Despite / In spite of / Although / Even though
Form:
- Verb (plain form) + にもかかわらず
- い-adjective + にもかかわらず
- な-adjective + である + にもかかわらず
- Noun + である + にもかかわらず
💡 Example Sentences
- 雨が降っているにもかかわらず、試合は続けられた。
Despite the rain, the game continued. - 彼は病気にもかかわらず、出勤した。
Even though he was sick, he went to work. - 彼女は経験がないにもかかわらず、すばらしい成果を出した。
Despite having no experience, she achieved amazing results. - 多くの反対意見があったにもかかわらず、プロジェクトは実行された。
Despite many opposing opinions, the project was carried out. - その映画は評価が高いにもかかわらず、興味がわかない。
Even though the movie is highly rated, it doesn’t interest me.
📝 Grammar Notes
- This expression adds a strong sense of contradiction or contrast.
- It is formal and common in written Japanese such as essays, news, and reports.
- Can be replaced in more casual speech with けれども or のに (though they are less strong).
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blanks
- 疲れている＿＿＿＿、彼は残業を続けた。
- 危険だ＿＿＿＿、彼は登山をやめなかった。
- 反対が多い＿＿＿＿、計画は進められた。
✔ Answers:
- にもかかわらず
- にもかかわらず
- にもかかわらず
2. Translate into Japanese
- Even though it was Sunday, he went to school.
- Despite being a beginner, she passed the exam.
- In spite of the cold, we went for a walk.
✔ Sample Answers:
- 日曜日であるにもかかわらず、彼は学校に行った。
- 初心者であるにもかかわらず、彼女は試験に合格した。
- 寒いにもかかわらず、私たちは散歩に出かけた。
🔗 Related Grammar
- ～のに: Less formal contrast expression
- ～けれども: General contradiction, used more in conversation
- ～くせに: Implies blame or sarcasm, less formal
🧠 Summary
- Meaning: Despite / Even though / Although
- Form: Verb / Adj / Noun + にもかかわらず
- Level: JLPT N2 / N1
- Use: To express unexpected result or contrast
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I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.
