それなのに
And yet, Despite this
Structure
Explanation
The conjunction それなのに is formed by combining the pronoun それ with な and のに. It translates to 'and yet' or 'despite that'. This expression connects two sentences, with the second sentence presenting an outcome that is contrary to what one might expect from the first.
As それなのに functions as a conjunction linking two ideas, it is almost always placed at the start of the second sentence.
- 試験のために一生懸命勉強した。それなのに、合格できなかった。I studied really hard for the exam. Despite that, I couldn't pass.
- あのレストランはとても人気がある。それなのに、料理はあまり美味しくなかった。That restaurant is very popular. And yet, the food wasn't that tasty.
Since the second sentence (B) presents a contradiction to the first sentence (A), それなのに often introduces an event that is surprising or could not have been predicted from the context of (A).
Examples
毎日3時間勉強した。それなのにテストに落ちた。
I studied for three hours every day. And yet, I failed the test.
今日は祝日だ。それなのに仕事をしなければならない。
Today is a public holiday. Despite this, I have to work.
ちゃんと薬を飲んだ。それなのに熱が下がらない。
I took my medicine properly. Nevertheless, my fever won't go down.
何回も謝った。それなのに彼女は許してくれない。
I apologized so many times. And yet, she won't forgive me.
このレストランは評判がよかった。それなのに料理はまずかった。
This restaurant had great reviews. Despite that, the food was awful.
もう夏だ。それなのに今日は肌寒い。
It's already summer. And yet, it's chilly today.
彼は大金持ちのはずだ。それなのにとてもけちだ。
He is supposed to be very rich. Despite this, he is very stingy.
危ないと注意した。それなのに彼は聞こうとしなかった。
I warned him that it was dangerous. Even so, he wouldn't listen.
駅から近いと聞いていた。それなのに歩いて20分もかかった。
I heard it was close to the station. And yet, it took a whole 20 minutes to walk there.
彼女はたくさん食べる。それなのにちっとも太らない。
She eats a lot. Despite this, she doesn't gain any weight at all.
部屋の隅々まで掃除した。それなのにまだ汚い気がする。
I cleaned every corner of the room. And yet, it still feels dirty.
このバッグは高かった。それなのに安っぽく見える。
This bag was expensive. Despite this, it looks cheap.