Learning how to express the concept of “despite that” is essential when studying a new language, as it allows you to convey contrast and highlight unexpected outcomes. In the case of Japanese, there are several phrases and expressions that can be used to convey the idea of “despite that.” In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of expressing this concept in Japanese.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When using Japanese in formal situations, it is important to choose appropriate expressions. Here are some formal phrases commonly used to express “despite that”:
1. それにもかかわらず (sore ni mo kakawarazu)
The phrase “それにもかかわらず” is a formal way to express “despite that” in Japanese. It conveys a strong sense of contrast and emphasizes the unexpected outcome. This expression is often used in written Japanese, business settings, or formal speeches.
Example: 彼は病気だったが、それにもかかわらず頑張って勉強した。(Kare wa byōki datta ga, sore ni mo kakawarazu ganbatte benkyō shita.)
Translation: Despite being sick, he studied diligently.
2. にも関わらず (ni mo kakawarazu)
This is a slightly more formal version of “それにもかかわらず.” It carries the same meaning and can be used interchangeably in most situations.
Example: 天気は悪かったが、にも関わらずピクニックに行った。(Tenki wa warukatta ga, ni mo kakawarazu pikunikku ni itta.)
Translation: Despite the bad weather, we went on a picnic.
Informal Expressions
When speaking with friends or in casual situations, you can use more informal expressions to convey the same meaning. Here are some commonly used informal phrases:
1. それでも (sore demo)
The phrase “それでも” is a versatile and frequently used way to express “despite that” in informal conversations. It can be used interchangeably with “それにもかかわらず” in many contexts.
Example: 高いけれど、それでも買いたい。(Takai keredo, sore demo kaitai.)
Translation: It’s expensive, but I still want to buy it.
2. でも (demo)
This is a casual and shortened form of “それでも.” It is commonly used in spoken Japanese and can be used in various everyday situations.
Example: 遅刻したけど、でも大丈夫だったよ。(Chikoku shita kedo, demo daijōbu datta yo.)
Translation: I was late, but it was okay.
Additional Tips
To better understand the usage of “despite that” in Japanese, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
1. Grammatical Structure
When using the expressions mentioned above, it is important to note that the main clause and the contrasting clause are structured similarly to English. The main clause typically appears before the contrasting clause, and the latter is introduced by the phrase expressing “despite that.”
2. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any language, mastering the usage of “despite that” in Japanese requires practice. Try incorporating these expressions into your conversations or writing exercises to become more comfortable with their usage and nuances.
3. Cultural Context
When using contrasting expressions, be mindful of the cultural context. Japanese culture often values modesty and indirectness, so it is crucial to use appropriate tone and wording when expressing contrasts.
