“〜nimo kakawarazu” Deepened: A Super-Adversative in Written Language [JLPT N2]

By Nihongo to Japan · Updated July 3, 2026

A deep look at 「〜にもかかわらず」 to master the adversative in written language.

“〜nimo kakawarazu” Deepened: A Super-Adversative in Written Language

「(plain form/noun) ＋ にもかかわらず」 means “despite 〜, although 〜 yet 〜” — a written, strong adversative, expressing that despite the first clause (condition, effort, situation), the latter still shows a result contrary to expectation. E.g. 「彼は疲れているにもかかわらず、遅くまで起きていた」 (despite being tired, he stayed up late), 「交通が不便にもかかわらず、多くの人が訪れる」 (despite inconvenient transport, many people visit). ⚠️ Contrast with 「のに」: にもかかわらず = written, formal, more objective; のに = colloquial, with dissatisfaction/regret! ⚠️ Connection: plain form/noun ＋ にもかかわらず (nouns attach directly, ✗ noun のにもかかわらず). ⚠️ Don't confuse with 「〜にかかわらず (regardless of …, no matter)」.

🧠 Core nuance: despite the first clause, a result contrary to expectation still appears (written)

The core is despite the first clause (condition, effort, situation), the latter still shows a result contrary to expectation (adversative): 「〜にもかかわらず」 expresses ‘despite …, although … yet …' (the first clause a condition that should lead to some result, but the latter is the opposite: 雨が降っているにもかかわらず外出した = went out despite the rain, お金がないにもかかわらず新しい服を買った = bought new clothes despite having no money, 忠告にもかかわらず計画を進めた = pushed the plan despite advice). It stresses ‘the first clause doesn't affect the latter, the result is unexpected.' ⚠️ Core contrast with 「のに」: 「にもかかわらず」 = written, formal, more objective (for argument, reporting: 努力したにもかかわらず失敗した); 「のに」 = colloquial, with dissatisfaction/regret (努力したのに失敗した, with emotion)! にもかかわらず is objective written, のに is emotional colloquial. ⚠️ Connection: plain form/noun ＋ にもかかわらず (nouns attach directly: 不便にもかかわらず, 雨にもかかわらず, ✗ noun のにもかかわらず); adjective/verb plain form ＋ にもかかわらず. ⚠️ Don't confuse with 「〜にかかわらず／〜に関わらず (regardless of …, no matter, concession)」 — にもかかわらず = despite … yet (adversative); にかかわらず = regardless of … (irrespective). An N2 written-adversative pattern.

📌 How to Connect

💬 Example Sentences

• 彼は疲れているにもかかわらず、遅くまで起きていた。(Despite being tired, he stayed up late.) — contrary to expectation
• 雨が降っているにもかかわらず、彼は外出した。(Despite the rain, he went out.) — adversative
• お金がないにもかかわらず、新しい服を買った。(Despite having no money, she bought new clothes.) — unexpected
• 交通が不便にもかかわらず、その場所は多くの人が訪れる。(Despite inconvenient transport, that place draws many visitors.) — noun にもかかわらず
• 彼の忠告にもかかわらず、彼女は計画を進めた。(Despite his advice, she pushed the plan forward.) — adversative

🔄 Compare: にもかかわらず vs のに vs けど/が vs にかかわらず

⚠️ Common Mistakes

1. にもかかわらず vs のに: にもかかわらず = written, objective; のに = colloquial, with dissatisfaction/regret.
2. Don't confuse with にかかわらず: にもかかわらず = despite … yet (adversative); にかかわらず = regardless of … (concession) — one character apart, different meanings!
3. Nouns attach directly: noun ＋ にもかかわらず (不便にもかかわらず, ✗ 不便のにもかかわらず).
4. Written formal: にもかかわらず leans written, formal; everyday speech uses のに.

💡 Nuance & When to Use

「にもかかわらず」 means “despite 〜 yet, although 〜 still,” a written, strong adversative where despite the first clause a result contrary to expectation still appears (疲れているにもかかわらず起きていた, 不便にもかかわらず人が訪れる). ⚠️ Distinguish from the colloquial, emotional 「のに」 — にもかかわらず is objective written, のに carries dissatisfaction/regret. ⚠️ Don't confuse with the ‘regardless of …' にかかわらず! Attaches to plain form/noun (directly). An N2 written-adversative pattern. A must.

🎯 JLPT Exam Tips

• High-frequency N2: plain form/noun ＋ にもかかわらず = despite 〜 yet (a written, formal, objective adversative); nouns attach directly.
• Core distinction: にもかかわらず (written, objective) vs のに (colloquial, with dissatisfaction/regret).
• Most important: don't confuse with 「にかかわらず (regardless of …, concession)」! One character (も) apart, entirely different meanings.

🖊️ Practice Quiz

Q1. 彼は疲れているにもかかわらず、_____。

(A) 早く寝た　(B) 遅くまで起きていた　(C) 仕事をやめた　(D) 休暇をとった

Q2. 雨が降っているにもかかわらず、_____。

(A) 家にいた　(B) 傘を持った　(C) 外出した　(D) 洗濯をした

Q3. 彼女はお金がないにもかかわらず、_____。

(A) 新しい服を買った　(B) 貯金をした　(C) 節約した　(D) 家にいた

Q4. 彼の忠告にもかかわらず、_____。

(A) 計画を変えた　(B) 同意した　(C) 計画を進めた　(D) 反対した

Q5. 交通が不便にもかかわらず、_____。

(A) その場所は人気がない　(B) 多くの人が訪れる　(C) 誰も行かない　(D) その場所は閉鎖された

Answer Key

1. (B) 遅くまで起きていた ── despite being tired, the result is contrary to expectation (stayed up late).

2. (C) 外出した ── despite the rain, went out (contrary to expectation).

3. (A) 新しい服を買った ── despite having no money, bought new clothes.

4. (C) 計画を進めた ── despite his advice, pushed the plan forward.

5. (B) 多くの人が訪れる ── despite inconvenient transport, many people visit.