～にもかかわらず

How to form it

• Verb (plain form) + にもかかわらず
• い-adjective + にもかかわらず
• な-adjective stem + (である) + にもかかわらず
• Noun + (である) + にもかかわらず

Register: Formal, mostly written or in speeches and news

Explanation

Introduces a fact that is true, and then states a result that goes against what you would expect from it. The first part is a real situation, not a guess.

The second clause is surprising, disappointing or noteworthy because of the first. In everyday speech Japanese people usually say のに instead; にもかかわらず sounds stiffer and more objective.

Examples

1. 雨にもかかわらず、試合は予定どおり行われた。

   あめにもかかわらず、しあいはよていどおりおこなわれた。

   Despite the rain, the match was held as scheduled.

2. 彼は忙しいにもかかわらず、手伝ってくれた。

   かれはいそがしいにもかかわらず、てつだってくれた。

   Even though he was busy, he helped us.

3. 努力したにもかかわらず、結果は不合格だった。

   どりょくしたにもかかわらず、けっかはふごうかくだった。

   Despite making an effort, the result was a fail.

Compare with

• ～ものの: ものの also admits a fact and then gives a contrary result, but it often concerns the speaker's own action or plan (I did X, but...).
• ～とはいえ: とはいえ concedes a statement or label (spring, famous) and then qualifies it; it is less about an event with an unexpected result.

Common mistakes

• Using it when the second clause is what you would normally expect. The result must contrast with the first clause.
• Using it in casual conversation. Prefer のに or けど there.