それにもかかわらず
sorenimokakawarazu
The English phrase "despite that" is expressed in Japanese as それにもかかわらず (sorenimokakawarazu).
Meaning: Translations (conj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sore (that), ni mo (even/also) and kakawarazu (without regard to/regardless of).
Which one should you use?
While それにもかかわらず is formal and heavy, the conversational form soredemo is a more common way to express "despite that" or "even so."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
それにもかかわらず is a formal way to express "despite that" and is commonly used in written Japanese or formal speeches. Other formal options include にも関わらず. In contrast, でも is a casual and shortened form of それでも used to express the same idea in informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
This phrase functions as a conjunctive adverb, which means it is used at the beginning of a sentence to connect it to the preceding sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
sorenimokakawarazu
Did you know?
- The expression それでも is a staple of dramatic Japanese cinema and anime, often used during climactic scenes to show a character's unwavering resolve.
- Because それにもかかわらず is so heavy and formal, using it in a dialogue can ironically be a way to signal that a character is being intentionally stiff, sarcastic, or humorously dramatic.
- The component 関わらず (kakawarazu) comes from the verb 関わる (kakawaru), which means to be involved with or to concern something, turning the phrase into 'without being involved with that situation'.
Examples in context
- 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。Despite being sick, he studied diligently.
- 高いけれど、それでも買いたい。It's expensive, but I still want to buy it.
- 雨が降っています。それにもかかわらず、彼は外へ出ました。Ame ga futte imasu. Sore ni mo kakawarazu, kare wa soto e demashita.It is raining. Despite that, he went outside.
- 失敗しました。それにもかかわらず、彼女は諦めませんでした。Shippai shimashita. Sore ni mo kakawarazu, kanojo wa akirame masen deshita.She failed. Despite that, she did not give up.
- 値段が高いです。それにもかかわらず、この店はいつも混んでいます。Nedan ga takai desu. Sore ni mo kakawarazu, kono mise wa itsumo konde imasu.The prices are high. Despite that, this shop is always crowded.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are talking about a difficult exam.
- 陽太 Yota試験勉強はとても大変だったね。Shiken benkyou wa totemo taihen datta ne.Studying for the exam was really tough, wasn't it?
- 結衣 Yuiうん。それにもかかわらず、合格できたよ。Un. Sore ni mo kakawarazu, goukaku dekita yo.Yeah. Despite that, I managed to pass.
- 陽太 Yotaすごいね！結衣は頑張ったんだね。Sugoi ne! Yui wa ganbatta nda ne.That's amazing! You really worked hard, Yui.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、陽太くん。Arigatou, Youta-kun.Thank you, Yota.
