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.
Despite the rain, he went out.
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.
Despite the bad weather, the game was held.
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.
Despite being small, it's a happy home.
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.
Despite knowing nothing, he talks arrogantly.
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.
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.
He set out despite the storm.
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.
Even if it rains, I'll go. (Despite the rain, I'll go.)
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.
Despite apologizing now, I probably won't be forgiven.
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.
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.
Despite his age, he is very active.
She went out despite having a cold.