のに
In order to
Structure
Explanation
The particle のに is a combination of the case marking particles の and に. In Japanese, のに serves two main purposes. It can express a result that is contrary to what one would expect (like 'even though'), or it can state the purpose for which an action is done (like 'in order to'). This grammar point will concentrate on its use for expressing purpose.
To form this grammar, add のに directly after the dictionary form (plain, non-past) of a verb. The verb indicates the 'purpose' or 'goal', and the clause that follows describes what is needed or what happens as a result of pursuing that goal.
- この国からあの国まで飛行機で行くのに８時間もかかります。It takes a full 8 hours to go from this country to that country by plane.
- 日本語の漢字を覚えるのにとても苦労しています。I'm having a really hard time memorizing Japanese kanji.
Fun Fact
Interestingly, both the 'despite' and 'in order to' translations of のに come from the same fundamental function. The particle の acts as a nominalizer, changing the preceding clause into a noun-like concept. Then, に marks that concept as a target or destination. Because of this, のに consistently means something like 'toward the event of (A), (B) occurs'.
- 昨日はたくさん寝たのに、まだ眠いです。I slept a lot yesterday, but I'm still sleepy.
- このドアを開けるのに特別な鍵が必要です。A special key is needed to open this door.
Examples
家を掃除するのに新しい掃除機を買った。
I bought a new vacuum cleaner in order to clean the house.
駅まで歩くのに十五分ぐらいかかります。
It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the station.
ケーキを作るのに卵が足りない。
I don't have enough eggs in order to make a cake.
このドアを開けるのに鍵が要ります。
You need a key in order to open this door.
日本語を勉強するのにいい辞書がほしい。
I want a good dictionary (in order) to study Japanese.
これを海外に送るのにいくらかかりますか？
How much will it cost to send this overseas?
髪を切るのにはさみが必要です。
Scissors are necessary in order to cut hair.
大学に入るのにたくさんのお金がかかる。
It costs a lot of money in order to get into university.
この問題を解決するのに何かいい方法はありませんか？
Is there a good way to solve this problem?
インターネットに繋ぐのにパスワードが分からない。
I don't know the password to connect to the internet.
新しい服を買うのに、デパートに行く必要はない。
You don't need to go to the department store (in order) to buy new clothes.
缶を開けるのに缶切りを使うと便利だよ。
It's convenient to use a can opener in order to open a can.