JLPT N4
のに
Although / Despite
Structure
Plain form のに
How it works
のに is used to express a result that is unexpected or contrary to what should happen based on the first clause. It often conveys a feeling of disappointment, regret, or surprise. When used with Na-adjectives or Nouns in the present tense, you must add 'na' before 'noni'.
Examples
薬を飲んだのに、熱が下がりません。
Despite taking medicine, my fever won't go down.
日曜日なのに、働かなければなりません。
Although it is Sunday, I have to work.
一生懸命勉強したのに、試験に落ちました。
In spite of studying hard, I failed the exam.
Common mistakes
Confusing 'noni' with 'kedo'. Use 'kedo' for simple contrasts, but use 'noni' when you want to emphasize frustration or an unexpected outcome.
Tip
Remember 'Na-Noni'! For Nouns and Na-adjectives, always include 'na' (e.g., Suki na noni, Ame na noni), otherwise the sentence is grammatically incorrect.
More JLPT N4 grammar
See のに in real Japanese
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