〜のに expresses unexpected contrast or disappointment, meaning "although," "even though," or "despite."
Formation:
• Verbs/い-adj: Plain form + のに
• な-adj/Noun: + な + のに
Even though I went to the trouble of making it, no one ate it.
Emotional nuance:
のに often carries feelings of:
• Disappointment
• Frustration
• Surprise at the unexpected
Contrast with けど/が:
• けど/が - Neutral contrast (but)
• のに - Emotional contrast (and yet/despite)
Common patterns:
• せっかく〜のに - Even though I went to the trouble...
• 〜のに、どうして？ - Why, even though...?
のに = despite, even though (actual)
- 行ったのに会えなかった (I went but couldn't meet)
Also means "in order to" with noun
- 読むのに時間がかかる (takes time to read)
のに vs ても
- のに = actual situation
- ても = hypothetical
Although I studied, I failed the test.
Even though it was expensive, it broke quickly.
Despite promising, they did not come.
Even though I asked, they didnt help me.
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