although, but, even though

Intermediate

20-25 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates a contrast between what is expected and reality.

[Verb plain/い-adj/な-adj な/Noun である] + ものの

買ったものの、一度も使っていない。

Katta mono no, ichido mo tsukatte inai.

Although I bought it, I have not used it even once.

日本語を勉強しているものの、まだ話せない。

Nihongo wo benkyou shite iru mono no, mada hanasenai.

Even though I am studying Japanese, I still cannot speak it.

More formal than けど or が.

～せいか

perhaps because, maybe because

～つつ

while doing, even while

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

Used in written language more than spoken.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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