Practice JLPTHow to tell them apart
ものの is a formal written-style conjunction that simply concedes a fact before adding a contrasting follow-up, while のに carries a sense of unexpectedness or complaint that the second clause runs contrary to what the first clause would lead you to expect. With ものの the surprise element is absent; it reads more like a neutral “having said that.” Swapping them can make a sentence sound either too stiff for speech (給料は上がったものの) or oddly complainy in formal writing (高いのに).
- ものの Use ものの in formal writing when you concede a fact and then add a contrasting follow-up without implying surprise or complaint.
- のに Use のに when the second clause is contrary to expectation and you want to express surprise, disappointment, or mild complaint.
| Grammar point | Meaning | JLPT level |
|---|---|---|
| ものの monono | Although (formal) | N3 |
| のに noni | Even though/Despite | N4 |
ものの monono
Although (formal)
Although; though; even though; but | A conjunction that means “although”.
-
マネージャーになって給料は上がったものの、急にいろんな仕事が増えてとても忙しくなった。
Although I became a manager and got a raise, my work (of various kinds) quickly increased and I became very busy.
-
一人でいる方が気楽だとは言うものの、やはり話し相手が欲しいと思うこともある。
Although I say being alone is easier, sometimes I want someone to talk with.
のに noni
Even though/Despite
Contrary to everybody’s expectation based on the sentence preceding [x], the proposition in the sentence following [x] is the case.
-
あの人はピアノが上手なのにめったに弾きません。
He is good at piano, but seldom plays.
-
このステーキは高いのに美味しくない・美味しくありません。
In spite of the fact that this steak is expensive, it isn't delicious.
ものの and のに are JLPT N4–N3 grammar points that Japanese learners often mix up. This page compares them side by side — meanings, usage and example sentences — so you can tell them apart.