Translation guide
To express that something happens or is true even though something else might have prevented it. In Japanese, this is most often expressed with the particle のに or the conjunction にもかかわらず.
Express that an action or state occurs contrary to what would be expected from the preceding clause.
The most common and natural way to say 'despite A, B'. A is a clause in plain form (verb/adjective/noun + な). Often carries a nuance of surprise, disappointment, or complaint.
雨が降っているのに、彼は出かけた。
Despite the rain, he went out.
Express 'despite [noun]' directly, often as a sentence opener or after a noun.
Directly follows a noun to mean 'despite N'. Formal and common in writing.
困難にもかかわらず、彼らは諦めなかった。
Despite the difficulties, they didn't give up.
A literary expression meaning 'without being daunted by N' or 'in defiance of N'. Used for overcoming great obstacles.
Express that something is true even under the stated condition, similar to 'even though'.
The て-form + も means 'even if/though A, B'. For nouns and な-adjectives, use でも. This is a very common concessive pattern.
雨が降っても、行きます。
Even if it rains, I'll go. (Despite the rain, I'll go.)
Both mean 'despite', but のに is used in everyday speech and often carries emotional nuance (surprise, regret, complaint). にもかかわらず is more formal, objective, and common in writing or formal speech. のに cannot be used at the end of a sentence to mean 'despite that' without a following clause, while にもかかわらず can be used as a sentence-ending conjunction in formal contexts.
彼は失敗した。それにもかかわらず、笑っていた。
He failed. Despite that, he was smiling.
Japanese does not have a single word that directly translates 'despite' in all contexts. Learners often mistakenly try to use にもかかわらず in casual speech, which sounds overly stiff. Use のに for most everyday situations.
彼は年齢にもかかわらず、とても活動的だ。
Despite his age, he is very active.
彼女は風邪をひいているのに出かけた。
She went out despite having a cold.
Despite studying hard, I failed the exam.
A more formal and written equivalent of のに. A is a noun or a clause in plain form (often with である). Emphasizes the contrast strongly.
悪天候にもかかわらず、試合は行われた。
Despite the bad weather, the game was held.
彼は若いにもかかわらず、とても落ち着いている。
Despite being young, he is very composed.
Used with nouns, adjectives, or verbs to mean 'although/despite A, B'. The も is optional and adds emphasis. Often used in written or formal speech.
狭いながらも、楽しい我が家だ。
Despite being small, it's a happy home.
彼は初心者ながら、素晴らしい演奏をした。
Despite being a beginner, he gave a wonderful performance.
Similar to のに but carries a strong nuance of criticism, contempt, or sarcasm. Used only for people or personified things. A is a clause in plain form (noun + の/な).
Can sound rude or harsh. Avoid in polite conversation.
彼は何も知らないくせに、偉そうに話す。
Despite knowing nothing, he talks arrogantly.
彼は嵐をものともせずに出発した。
He set out despite the storm.
Despite being busy, he exercises every day.
Used with past tense verbs to mean 'even if one does A, B (it's no use/it won't change anything)'. Often implies futility.
今さら謝ったところで、許してもらえないだろう。
Despite apologizing now, I probably won't be forgiven.