のに (noni)

Meaning & usage

のに links a verb phrase to what is needed or involved in doing it, meaning 'in order to' or 'for the purpose of', as in making dreams come true or cheering someone up. It attaches to the plain form of a verb. It can also mark something contrary to expectation, as in the last example.

Example sentences 8

1. 約束やくそくを果はたさずに１ヶ月げつが過すぎてしまったのに気きづいた。

   I realized one month had passed without my making good my promise.

2. 君を元気にさせるのに何と言っていいか分からないよ。

   I don't know what to say to make you feel better.

3. 夢を実現するのに一番良いのは目を覚ますことである。

   The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.

4. たいしたことではないのに必要以上に物々しい言い方です。

   It's much too pompous for such a trivial thing.

5. 妹は時々自分が男の子だったらいいのにと願っていた。

   My little sister sometimes wished she was a boy.

6. こんなに上手に英語で手紙を書けるのにどうして話せないの？

   Why is it you can write a letter in English this well, but can't speak in it?

7. 私がここの生活に慣れるのに時間がかかりそうです。

   It seems like it will take me a while to get accustomed to life here.

8. だいたいあんた、この寒いのにノースリーブで何いってんのよ。

   Anyway what are you on about? Going around sleeveless in this cold.