Plain form + のに

[Even Though / Despite]

Connection: Plain form + のに

Expresses contrast or disappointment about an actual situation that turned out unexpectedly. Unlike ても (hypothetical "even if"), のに is used for ACTUAL situations that have already happened or are happening.

Formation:

• Verb plain form + のに: 勉強したのに、行くのに
• い-adjective + のに: 高いのに、安かったのに
• な-adjective + な + のに: 便利なのに、静かだったのに
• Noun + な + のに: 休みなのに、学生だったのに

Usage Notes:

• Implies dissatisfaction, surprise, or frustration with the outcome
• Used for actual facts, not hypothetical situations
• The result is contrary to expectation
• Often expresses the speaker's negative feelings about the situation

Comparison:

• ても = hypothetical "even if" (雨が降っても行く = I'll go even if it rains)
• のに = actual "even though" (雨が降ったのに行った = I went even though it rained)

Examples: 一生懸命勉強したのに、テストに落ちた。(Even though I studied hard, I failed the test.) 高いのに、あまりおいしくない。(Even though it's expensive, it's not very delicious.) 約束したのに、来なかった。(Even though we promised, he didn't come.)