Expressing Unfulfilled Expectations in Japanese || Using のに

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Home B1 Expressing unfulfilled expectations with のに

HOW TO USE のに IN JAPANESE

In Japanese, のに is used to express unfulfilled expectations or disappointment when reality does not match what was anticipated.

This lesson will guide you on how to use のに to convey feelings of regret or frustration in various contexts.

HOW TO USE のに

のに (noni) is used for unfulfilled expectations.

It focuses on the unexpectedness of the situation and expresses a sense of surprise and frustration when something goes against your expectations.

It is similar to English words such as “but”, “although”, “even though”, or “despite”.

PATTERN

Verb (plain form) + のに
い-adjective + のに
な-adjective + な + のに
Noun + な + のに

NOTE || For nouns and な adjectives, you need to add な before のに.

約束をしたのに、彼は来ませんでした。	Yakusoku wo shita noni kare wa kimasen deshita.	Even though he made a promise, he didn’t come.
このコーヒーは安いのに、とても美味しいです。	Kono koohii wa yasui noni totemo oishii desu.	This coffee is very tasty even though the price is very low.

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仕事中なのに、彼は居眠りをしています。	Shigoto chuu nanoni kare wa inemuri wo shite imasu.	It’s working hours now, but he is sleeping at desk.
彼は若いのにとてもしっかりしています。	Kare wa wakai noni totemo shikkari shite imasu.	He is very mature even though he is young in age.
掃除機をかけたのに、すぐまた埃っぽくなった。	Soujiki wo kaketa noni, sugu mata hokorippoku natta.	I used vacuum to clean, but right away it became dusty again.
夜中なのに、お腹がすいてきた。	Yonaka nanoni onaka ga suite kita.	I started to feel hungry even though it’s late at night.
このパソコンはとても高いのに、すぐに故障した。	Kono pasokon wa totemo takai noni, sugu ni koshou shita.	Even though this computer was very expensive, it broke right away.
目標を持ったのに達成できなかった。	Mokuhyou wo motta noni tassei deki nakatta.	I set a goal, but I couldn’t reach that goal.

SIMILAR EXPRESSION けれど

のに is not only expression to explain unfulfilled expectations.

のに and けれど (keredo) are conjunctive particles with similar functions.

PATTERN

Verb (plain form) + けれど
い-adjective + けれど
な-adjective + だ + けれど
Noun + だ + けれど

彼は日本人だけれど、お寿司が嫌いです。	Kare wa nihon jin da keredo osushi ga kirai desu.	He doesn’t like sushi even though he is Japanese.
外は寒いけれど、家の中は温かい。	Soto wa samui keredo, ie no naka wa atatakai.	Outside is cold, but inside the house is warm.

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まだ外は暗いけれど目が覚めた。	Mada soto wa kurai keredo me ga sameta.	I woke up from bed even though outside is still dark.
今日は祝日だけれど会社に行って書類を受け取る必要があります。	Kyou wa shukujitsu da keredo kaisha ni itte shorui wo uketoru hituyou ga arimasu.	Today is national holiday, but I have to go to the company office and receive some documents.
あの家族は貧しいけれど、もてなしの精神にあふれています。	Ano kazoku wa mazushii keredo motenashi no seishin ni ahurete imasu.	That family is not well to do financially, but they have very good hospitable spirit.
英語を3年間勉強したけれど、まだ全然英語が話せません。	Eigo wo 3 nen kan benkyou shita keredo, mada zenzen eigo ga hanase masen.	I can’t speak English at all even though I studied English for past 3 years.
昨日10時間くらい寝たけれど、まだ眠たいです。	Kinou 10 jikan kurai neta keredo mada nemutai desu.	I slept 10 hours yesterday, but I still feel sleepy.
今日は暑いけれど、風が気持ちいいです。	Kyou wa atsui keredo kaze ga kimochiii desu.	It is hot today, but the breeze feels pleasant.

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FAQs

What is the main purpose of using のに in a sentence?

のに is used to express disappointment or an unexpected result, showing a contrast between what was expected and what actually happened.

Is there a difference between のに and けど for expressing contrast?

Yes. While both indicate contrast, のに emphasizes unfulfilled expectations or disappointment, whereas けど is more neutral and can simply show a general contrast without strong emotional nuance.

How does のに differ from other contrast expressions, like が or しかし?

Unlike が or しかし, which express contrast in a straightforward way, のに specifically conveys a sense of frustration or regret over an outcome that did not meet expectations.

Can I study Japanese in Japan with LTL?

Absolutely! We offer group and individual classes in Tokyo.

If you’d prefer to learn Japanese from the comfort of your home, you should have a look at our online lessons on Flexi Classes (we even have a 7 day free trial!)

Where can I learn more Japanese grammar?

We regularly update our Japanese Grammar Bank with more free lessons like this one.