〜にもかかわらず — JLPT N2 Grammar
Learn 〜にもかかわらず to express contrast — an unexpected or contradictory result despite a real obstacle or circumstance.
Pattern
〜にもかかわらず (ni mo kakawarazu)
Structure
- Noun + にもかかわらず
- Verb (plain form) + にもかかわらず
- I-adjective (plain form) + にもかかわらず
- Na-adjective + である + にもかかわらず (formal)
- Na-adjective + な + にもかかわらず (slightly less formal)
Formality Level
Formal — written Japanese, news, academic, legal contexts. The spoken equivalent is 〜のに (more informal and emotionally charged).
Meaning
"Despite X," "in spite of X," "even though X." Expresses a contrastive, unexpected result — X is a real fact or condition that would normally be expected to lead to a different outcome, but Y occurs unexpectedly contrary to that expectation.
The strong contrast nuance makes this pattern appropriate when the contrast is genuinely striking or noteworthy. Do not use for trivial or expected contrasts.
Examples
| Japanese | Reading | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 多大な努力にもかかわらず、プロジェクトは失敗した。 | ただいなどりょくにもかかわらず、プロジェクトはしっぱいした。 | tadai na doryoku ni mo kakawarazu, purojekuto wa shippai shita. | Despite tremendous effort, the project failed. |
| 警告を受けたにもかかわらず、彼は行動を改めなかった。 | けいこくをうけたにもかかわらず、かれはこうどうをあらためなかった。 | keikoku o uketa ni mo kakawarazu, kare wa kōdō o aratamenakatta. | Despite receiving a warning, he did not change his behavior. |
| 財政難にもかかわらず、政府は新たな支出を計画している。 | ざいせいなんにもかかわらず、せいふはあらたなししゅつをけいかくしている。 | zaiseihan ni mo kakawarazu, seifu wa arata na shishutsu o keikaku shite iru. | Despite fiscal difficulties, the government is planning new expenditures. |
| 反対意見が多いにもかかわらず、計画は承認された。 | はんたいいけんがおおいにもかかわらず、けいかくはしょうにんされた。 | hantai iken ga ōi ni mo kakawarazu, keikaku wa shōnin sareta. | Despite widespread opposition, the plan was approved. |
| 医師の忠告にもかかわらず、彼女は無理を続けた。 | いしのちゅうこくにもかかわらず、かのじょはむりをつづけた。 | ishi no chūkoku ni mo kakawarazu, kanojo wa muri o tsuzuketa. | Despite the doctor's advice, she continued to overexert herself. |
Critical Distinction from 〜にかかわらず
| 〜にかかわらず | 〜にもかかわらず | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Regardless of (X doesn't matter) | Despite (X should have mattered, but Y happened anyway) |
| X | A variable/spectrum (experience, weather, gender) | A specific real obstacle or expectation |
| Result | Universally the same | Unexpectedly different from what X would suggest |
| Replace with | "regardless of" | "despite" / "in spite of" / "even though" |
Memory trick: もも (も) = "even that" — にもかかわらず adds emphasis to the obstacle: "EVEN [given] that fact, [unexpected result]."
Comparison with 〜のに (Spoken)
| Pattern | Register | Emotional tone |
|---|---|---|
| 〜にもかかわらず | Formal/written | Neutral, objective contrast |
| 〜のに | Informal/spoken | Frustrated, surprised, or reproachful |
Example:
- 努力したにもかかわらず、失敗した (written, objective)
- 努力したのに、失敗した (spoken, with emotional frustration)
Common Mistakes
- ❌ 雨が降るにもかかわらず、傘を持ってきた → If you bring an umbrella because of rain, there is no unexpected contrast. Use: 〜ので (because).
- ✓ 大雨にもかかわらず、屋外での作業を続けた (continuing outdoor work despite heavy rain — genuine unexpected contrast)