Introduction
In this blog, we’ll explain what のに (noni) means, when to use it, and how to create your own sentences with clear examples. By the end, you’ll feel confident using のに (noni) in your conversations. Let’s get started!
What It Means
のに (noni) is a conjunction that connects two statements, A and B, and expresses the idea that B happens despite the fact that A. It often carries the nuance of surprise or contradiction to what is expected.
A のに B
“A, but contrary to expectations, B.”
“B, despite the fact A.”
For example:
この会社はお金があるのに、給料は安いです。
(Kono kaisha wa okane ga aru noni, kyuuryou wa yasui desu.)
This company is rich, but its workers’ salaries are low.
八時間も勉強したのに、試験ができなかった。
(Hachijikan mo benkyou shita noni, shiken ga dekinakatta.)
I studied for eight hours, but I couldn’t do well on the examination.
When to Use It
Use のに (noni) in the following situations:
- To Show Contrast:
When the second statement contradicts what you would expect based on the first. - For Factual Statements Only:
Both A and B must be facts, not opinions, requests, or suggestions. - Short Form for A:
The verb, adjective, or noun in A must be in the short form.
For な-adjectives and nouns:
Remove the short form だ and add な before のに (noni).
Examples:
学生なのに (gakusei nanoni)
きれいなのに (kirei nanoni)
Examples
Here are some examples to help you understand how のに (noni) works:
- 佐藤さんは親切なのに、山田さんは佐藤さんがきらいです。
(Satou-san wa shinsetsu na noni, Yamada-san wa Satou-san ga kirai desu.)
Ms. Sato is nice, but Ms. Yamada does not like her. - 大きい問題なのに、あの人はだれにも相談しません。
(Ookii mondai na noni, ano hito wa dare ni mo soudan shimasen.)
It is a big issue, but he does not consult with anybody.
Notes
- A Must Be a Fact:
You cannot use のに (noni) with non-factual sentences, such as requests, commands, or suggestions, in the Bclause.
Wrong:
この本は日本語が少し難しいのに、読んでください。
(Kono hon wa nihongo ga sukoshi muzukashii noni, yonde kudasai.)
Japanese in this book is a little difficult, but please read it.
Correct:
この本は日本語が少し難しいですが、読んでください。
(Kono hon wa nihongo ga sukoshi muzukashii desu ga, yonde kudasai.)
Japanese in this book is a little difficult, but please read it. - Use が (ga) or けど (kedo) for Non-Factual Sentences:
For requests, commands, or suggestions, use が (ga) or けど (kedo) instead of のに (noni).
Wrong:
あまりおいしそうじゃないのに、ここで食べましょう。
(Amari oishisou ja nai noni, koko de tabemashou.)
The food doesn’t look promising, but let’s eat here.
Correct:
あまりおいしそうじゃないけど、ここで食べましょう。
(Amari oishisou ja nai kedo, koko de tabemashou.)
The food doesn’t look promising, but let’s eat here.
Conclusion
のに (noni) is a powerful grammar structure for expressing contrast and unexpected results. Remember to use it only with factual statements and to follow the rules for short forms.
Recommended Resources
For a deeper understanding of -noni (even though), I recommend A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar. This book explains the concept under the entry hoshii2, providing detailed explanations and examples of how to express your wishes for someone else’s actions in Japanese. If you want to explore this grammar point further and see more practical examples, this book is an excellent resource to enhance your Japanese skills.
