Sometimes you want to express that something happened even though the conditions weren’t ideal. In English, we say “despite the rain” or “in spite of the difficulties.” In Japanese, the grammar point that captures this meaning is にもかかわらず. It’s used to describe outcomes that happen unexpectedly or in contrast to a known situation.
にもかかわらず
Despite / In spite of / Nevertheless
JLPT Level: N3
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How to Use It
Use にもかかわらず to highlight contrast something happened despite an existing fact or situation. It’s always attached to short-form expressions. With nouns and な-adjectives, add である. This grammar often implies that the result is surprising or goes against expectations.
Usage Pattern
[Verb (short form)] + にもかかわらず
[い-adjective (short form)] + にもかかわらず
[な-adjective + である] + にもかかわらず
[Noun + である] + にもかかわらず
Example 1
あのパン屋さんは大人気であるにもかかわらず、まだ商品が割と安い。
あの ぱんやさん は だいにんき である にもかかわらず、まだ しょうひん が わりと やすい。
Ano panyasan wa daininki de aru ni mo kakawarazu, mada shōhin ga warito yasui.
Despite being incredibly popular, that bakery is still fairly affordable.
Example 2
雨が降っていたにもかかわらず、試合は予定通り行われた。
あめ が ふって いた にもかかわらず、しあい は よていどおり おこなわれた。
Ame ga futte ita ni mo kakawarazu, shiai wa yotei dōri okonawareta.
Despite the rain, the match was held as scheduled.
Example 3
彼は忙しいにもかかわらず、私の引っ越しを手伝ってくれた。
かれ は いそがしい にもかかわらず、わたし の ひっこし を てつだって くれた。
Kare wa isogashii ni mo kakawarazu, watashi no hikkoshi o tetsudatte kureta.
Despite being busy, he helped me with my move.
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