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～ni mo Kakawarazu: Despite / In Spite Of (Advanced)

Learn advanced uses of ni mo kakawarazu — formal strong contrast "despite A, B." This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn advanced uses of ni mo kakawarazu — formal strong contrast "despite A, B."
  • Form and connection: [名詞/Plain form] にもかかわらず
  • Nuance in real use: にもかかわらず is Japanese people's first choice for contrast in formal writing — more objective than のに, more formal than けれども. In academic papers and business reports, it's practically the default.

Form and connection

[名詞/Plain form] にもかかわらず

Core Explanation

Learn advanced uses of ni mo kakawarazu — formal strong contrast "despite A, B."

Cultural Note

にもかかわらず is Japanese people's first choice for contrast in formal writing — more objective than のに, more formal than けれども. In academic papers and business reports, it's practically the default.

Practical examples

Despite the adverse conditions, they succeeded.
Despite the rain, many people gathered.
Despite my efforts, the results didn't follow.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[名詞/Plain form] にもかかわらず
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerDespite the adverse conditions, they succeeded.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer努力どりょくしたにもかかわらず、結果けっかは伴ともなわなかった。 ([名詞/Plain form] にもかかわらず)

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