Translation guide
Expresses that something happens or is true even though there is a reason it might not. In Japanese, this is most often expressed with the particle のに or the construction にもかかわらず.
The speaker states that an action or state occurs contrary to what would be expected from a given fact or situation.
The most common and natural way to say 'in spite of A, B'. A is a fact or situation, B is the unexpected result. Often carries a nuance of surprise, complaint, or regret. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
雨が降っているのに、彼は出かけた。
He went out in spite of the rain.
たくさん勉強したのに、試験に落ちた。
In spite of studying a lot, I failed the exam.
A more formal and emphatic way to say 'in spite of A, B'. Often used in writing or formal speech. A is typically a noun or a clause nominalized with の or こと.
悪天候にもかかわらず、試合は行われた。
In spite of the bad weather, the game was held.
彼は病気であるにもかかわらず、会議に出席した。
In spite of being sick, he attended the meeting.
Very casual and often derogatory. Expresses criticism or contempt. Used when the speaker looks down on the subject. A is usually a clause describing a person's attribute or action.
Can sound rude or insulting. Avoid in polite conversation.
彼は何も知らないくせに、偉そうに話す。
He talks arrogantly in spite of knowing nothing.
The speaker emphasizes that an action or state persists despite attempts or intentions to the contrary.
Used when someone tries to do something but the result is opposite. Combines volitional form + とする with のに.
早く起きようとするのに、いつも寝坊してしまう。
In spite of trying to wake up early, I always oversleep.
A general conditional meaning 'even if one does V'. Often translates to 'in spite of doing V'. More neutral than のに.
一生懸命働いても、お金が貯まらない。
In spite of working hard, I can't save money.
The speaker indicates that something is true without being affected by a particular factor.
Means 'regardless of A, B'. A is often a noun like 天気, 年齢, or a pair of opposites like 有無. Formal and common in written Japanese.
このイベントは、天候にかかわらず開催されます。
This event will be held regardless of the weather.
経験の有無にかかわらず、応募できます。
You can apply regardless of whether you have experience or not.
Similar to にかかわらず, meaning 'without regard to A'. Often used with nouns like 年齢, 性別, 経験. Formal.
当社は、年齢を問わず人材を募集しています。
Our company is recruiting personnel regardless of age.
Both mean 'in spite of', but のに is used in everyday conversation and often carries emotional nuance (surprise, complaint). にもかかわらず is more formal and objective, suitable for reports, news, and formal writing.
彼は貧しいのに、幸せそうだ。
In spite of being poor, he looks happy. (conversational)
彼は貧しいにもかかわらず、幸せそうだ。
In spite of being poor, he looks happy. (formal/written)
English 'in spite of' is often confused with 'because of' by learners. In Japanese, ので/から means 'because', while のに means 'in spite of'. Make sure to use the correct conjunction.
雨が降ったので、試合は中止になった。
Because it rained, the game was canceled.
雨が降ったのに、試合は行われた。
In spite of the rain, the game was held.