ものの
Although, But, Even Though
Structure
［い］Adjective + ものの + Phrase
［な］Adjective + な(2) + ものの + Phrase
Noun + ではある(1) + ものの + Phrase
(1) である、であった
(2) だった、ではある、であった
Explanation
ものの is a formal expression used to connect two statements. It indicates that while the first statement (A) is true, the second statement (B) presents a result that is unexpected or contrary to what one might assume from (A).
This grammar point may follow verbs and い-adjectives directly. For な-adjectives, it is preceded by な, and for nouns, it is preceded by である.
- 新しいパソコンを買ったものの、遅くてあまり使えない。Although I bought a new computer, it's too slow to be of much use.
- このアパートは家賃が安いものの、駅から遠くて不便だ。While the rent for this apartment is cheap, it's inconveniently far from the station.
- そのバッグは便利なものの、デザインがちょっと地味だ。Although that bag is convenient, its design is a little plain.
- 暦の上では春であるものの、まだ寒い日が続いている。Even though it is spring according to the calendar, the cold days are continuing.
Caution
An important rule for using ものの is that the subject of both clauses must be the same. This structure cannot be used when the subject changes between the first and second part of the sentence.
- 運転免許は取ったものの、怖くてなかなか運転できない。Although I got my driver's license, I'm too scared to actually drive much.
- 彼はスポーツが得意なものの、勉強もよくできる。Although he is good at sports, he is also good at studying.
Examples
試験のためにたくさん勉強したものの、結果はあまり良くなかった。
Although I studied a lot for the exam, my results weren't very good.
新しいアプリをインストールしてみたものの、使い方が複雑でよく分からない。
Even though I tried installing the new app, it's too complicated to figure out how to use.
このカバンはデザインは良いものの、あまり物が入らない。
This bag has a nice design, but it doesn't hold very much.
セールで安かったので買ってみたものの、一度も着ていない。
I bought it because it was cheap on sale, but I haven't worn it even once.
急いで駅に向かったものの、電車はもう出てしまっていた。
I hurried to the station, but the train had already departed.
このホテルは有名なものの、サービスは期待はずれだった。
Although this hotel is famous, the service was quite disappointing.
謝ってはみたものの、彼が許してくれるかどうか心配だ。
Even though I tried to apologize, I'm worried about whether or not he will forgive me.
彼はまだ子供であるものの、大人びたことを言う。
Although he is still a child, he says very mature things.
ダイエットを始めると決心したものの、ついケーキを食べてしまった。
Even though I was determined to start a diet, I couldn't resist eating a piece of cake.
大学でスペイン語を勉強したものの、今ではほとんど話せない。
I studied Spanish in college, but I can barely speak any of it now.
説明書をよく読んだものの、どうやって操作するのかさっぱりだ。
Even though I read the manual carefully, I have absolutely no idea how to operate it.
頭では分かっているものの、なかなか行動に移せない。
Although I understand it intellectually, I just can't seem to put it into practice.