Translation guide
Expresses that something happens or is true even though there is a reason it might not. In Japanese, this is most often expressed with the particle のに or the construction にもかかわらず.
In spite of the rain, I went out.
Everyday spoken form
In spite of his illness, he came to work.
Formal/written
The speaker states that an action or state occurs contrary to what would be expected from a given fact or situation.
The most common and natural way to say 'in spite of A, B'. A is a fact or situation, B is the unexpected result. Often carries a nuance of surprise, complaint, or regret. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
He went out in spite of the rain.
In spite of studying a lot, I failed the exam.
A more formal and emphatic way to say 'in spite of A, B'. Often used in writing or formal speech. A is typically a noun or a clause nominalized with の or こと.
Very casual and often derogatory. Expresses criticism or contempt. Used when the speaker looks down on the subject. A is usually a clause describing a person's attribute or action.
Can sound rude or insulting. Avoid in polite conversation.
The speaker emphasizes that an action or state persists despite attempts or intentions to the contrary.
Used when someone tries to do something but the result is opposite. Combines volitional form + とする with のに.
In spite of trying to wake up early, I always oversleep.
A general conditional meaning 'even if one does V'. Often translates to 'in spite of doing V'. More neutral than のに.
The speaker indicates that something is true without being affected by a particular factor.
Means 'regardless of A, B'. A is often a noun like 天気, 年齢, or a pair of opposites like 有無. Formal and common in written Japanese.
This event will be held regardless of the weather.
You can apply regardless of whether you have experience or not.
Similar to にかかわらず, meaning 'without regard to A'. Often used with nouns like 年齢, 性別, 経験. Formal.
Both mean 'in spite of', but のに is used in everyday conversation and often carries emotional nuance (surprise, complaint). にもかかわらず is more formal and objective, suitable for reports, news, and formal writing.
In spite of being poor, he looks happy. (conversational)
In spite of being poor, he looks happy. (formal/written)
English 'in spite of' is often confused with 'because of' by learners. In Japanese, ので/から means 'because', while のに means 'in spite of'. Make sure to use the correct conjunction.
Because it rained, the game was canceled.
In spite of the bad weather, the game was held.
In spite of being sick, he attended the meeting.
He talks arrogantly in spite of knowing nothing.
In spite of working hard, I can't save money.
Our company is recruiting personnel regardless of age.
In spite of the rain, the game was held.