〜のに
although ~
Put the expectation and the surprising or different result together.
Remember it
Turn the sentence in a new direction with 〜のに.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜のに」 means "although ~". Structure: Plain + のに. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it to contrast facts, expectations, people, choices, or results.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1修理を準備したのに、使いませんでした。
しゅうり を じゅんび した のに、つかいません でした。
shuuri o junbi shita noni, tsukaimasen deshita.
Although I prepared the repair, we did not use it.
At work
Example 2資料を準備したのに、使いませんでした。
しりょう を じゅんび した のに、つかいません でした。
shiryou o junbi shita noni, tsukaimasen deshita.
Although I prepared the materials, we did not use it.
Everyday life
Example 3機械を準備したのに、使いませんでした。
きかい を じゅんび した のに、つかいません でした。
kikai o junbi shita noni, tsukaimasen deshita.
Although I prepared the machine, we did not use it.
Everyday life
Example 4材料を準備したのに、使いませんでした。
ざいりょう を じゅんび した のに、つかいません でした。
zairyou o junbi shita noni, tsukaimasen deshita.
Although I prepared the ingredients, we did not use it.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 4
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
Although I prepared the repair, we did not use it.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜のに.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.