GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜にもかかわらず
Indicates that the result runs counter to what would be expected from the preceding fact.
Examples
何度も練習したにもかかわらず本番で失敗した。
Despite all that practice, the actual performance was a failure.
Words used
忙しいにもかかわらず、彼は相談に乗ってくれた。
Despite being busy, he took the time to listen to my concerns.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
にもかかわらずis a formal contrast that accepts a preceding fact and presents an outcome contrary to the expectation it creates. - Basic usage:
忙しいにもかかわらず、彼は相談に乗ってくれた。contrasts being busy with taking the time to listen.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Connecting verbs, adjectives, and nouns
努力したにもかかわらずand難しいにもかかわらずfollow a plain-form verb and an i-adjective respectively. Nouns and na-adjectives can connect as in休日にもかかわらずor不便であるにもかかわらず.
- A formal way to contrast facts
忙しいのに来てくれたis conversational, while忙しいにもかかわらず来てくれたpresents the same contrast more formally. The outcome can be appreciated as well as undesirable.