それなのにAnd yet; despite that
それなのに introduces a result that clashes with what the preceding situation would normally lead you to expect. It often conveys surprise, disappointment, frustration, or a sense that the outcome is unreasonable.
The missing expected result
それなのに does more than place two different facts side by side. The first fact creates a natural expectation, and the second sentence tells you that reality went against it. A useful way to hear the connection is: “Given that, this result should not have happened—and yet it did.”
Clear expectation clashes
In each example, the first sentence makes the expected outcome easy to recover.
締め切りまで一週間あった。それなのに、彼は提出できなかった。
There was a whole week until the deadline. And yet, he was unable to submit it.
AnalyzeThe available time creates the expectation that submission should have been possible, so the failed result sounds disappointing or critical.
朝から雨が降っていた。それなのに、午後の試合は予定どおり行われた。
It had been raining since morning. And yet, the afternoon game went ahead as scheduled.
AnalyzeThis expresses a surprising mismatch without necessarily showing anger or dissatisfaction.
How much emotion does it carry?
Disappointment and complaint are especially natural, but they are not required. The result can also be unexpectedly successful or simply surprising. What matters is that the speaker treats the result as notably inconsistent with the earlier situation.
An unexpectedly positive result
彼女は初めて参加した。それなのに、落ち着いて発表していた。
It was her first time taking part. And yet, she gave her presentation calmly.
AnalyzeThe calm performance is positive, but it still runs against the expectation created by her lack of prior experience.
Choosing among nearby contrast words
それなのに focuses on how jarring it is that the second result followed from the first situation. それでも instead highlights that something still holds or proceeds despite the difficulty. ところが often introduces an unforeseen turn in a story more observationally. しかし is the broadest option: it marks a deliberate contrast without necessarily presenting the second fact as an upsetting failure of expectations.
More examples
何度も説明した。それなのに、同じ間違いがまた起きた。
I explained it many times. And yet, the same mistake happened again.
Analyzeこの店は駅から遠い。それなのに、いつも客でいっぱいだ。
This restaurant is far from the station. And yet, it is always packed with customers.
Analyze昨夜は十分に寝た。それなのに、まだ眠い。
I got enough sleep last night. And yet, I am still sleepy.
Analyze新しい機械に交換した。それなのに、問題は解決しなかった。
We replaced it with a new machine. And yet, the problem was not resolved.
Analyze風はかなり強かった。それなのに、船は定刻に出航した。
The wind was quite strong. And yet, the ship departed on schedule.
Analyze必要な資料はすべて送った。それなのに、申請は受理されなかった。
I sent all the required documents. And yet, the application was not accepted.
Analyze