Japanese grammar
What does ～にもかかわらず mean? Japanese grammar N2
～にもかかわらず means despite/in spite of (A), (B goes against what would be expected).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + にもかかわらず 普通形 + にもかかわらず な形・N + である + にもかかわらず |
| Romaji | nimokakawarazu |
| Meaning | despite/in spite of (A), (B goes against what would be expected) |
Forming it
| Noun | 悪天候 + にもかかわらず |
|---|---|
| Verb/Adjective (plain form) | 注意した + にもかかわらず |
How to use it
States a result that GOES AGAINST what would be expected from A; formal, objective, suited to written/announcement style.
- 「～にもかかわらず」 states that B HAPPENS DESPITE A, even though A would be expected to lead to a different result: "although, despite". Emphasizes the contrast objectively.
- More formal than 「～のに」. 「のに」 carries an everyday nuance of reproach/surprise; 「にもかかわらず」 is cool, objective, suited to written reports.
- At the start of a sentence, 「それにもかかわらず」 is used to connect to the following sentence.
Examples
悪天候にもかかわらず、試合は行われた。
The match was held despite the bad weather.
何度も注意したにもかかわらず、彼は遅刻を繰り返した。
Despite being warned many times, he kept coming late.
Keep in mind
- A noun and 「である」 attach directly; do not add 「に」 after 「にもかかわらず」.
- Often used with something unexpected, beyond prediction.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong雨にもかかわらずに、出かけた。
Although it rained, I still went out.
Correct雨にもかかわらず、出かけた。
「にもかかわらず」 attaches directly, without adding 「に」 after it.
-
Wrong病気なにもかかわらず、働いた。
Although he was sick, he still worked.
Correct病気であるにもかかわらず、働いた。
A noun/na-adjective attaches with 「である」 before 「にもかかわらず」, not with 「な」.
Exam tips
- 「にもかかわらず」 = despite (formal, objective); 「のに」 carries an everyday nuance of reproach/surprise.