GRAMMAR
〜ものの
although
Explanation
NOTE
〜ものの means although — the first clause is true, but the result clause goes against expectation.
引き受けたものの、どうすればいいか分からない。
Although I took it on, I don't know what to do.
The speaker acknowledges the first fact, then reveals a contradicting reality.
NOTE
Used in written or formal speech. The result often expresses regret, doubt, or insufficiency.
NOTE
With verbs and i-adjectives, attach ものの to the plain form (買った → 買ったものの).
STRUCTURE
V辞/た
ものの車を買ったものの、ほとんど乗っていない。
Kuruma o katta mono no, hotondo notte inai.
Although I bought a car, I hardly drive it.
大学を卒業したものの、仕事が見つからない。
Daigaku o sotsugyou shita mono no, shigoto ga mitsukaranai.
Although I graduated from university, I can't find a job.
頭では分かっているものの、体が動かない。
Atama de wa wakatte iru mono no, karada ga ugokanai.
Although I understand in my head, my body won't move.
NOTE
With i-adjectives, attach ものの directly to the plain form (高い → 高いものの).
STRUCTURE
Adj-I辞
もののこの店は安いものの、味はあまり良くない。
Kono mise wa yasui mono no, aji wa amari yokunai.
Although this shop is cheap, the taste isn't very good.
体は小さいものの、力はとても強い。
Karada wa chiisai mono no, chikara wa totemo tsuyoi.
Although his body is small, he is very strong.
給料は低いものの、仕事はやりがいがある。
Kyuuryou wa hikui mono no, shigoto wa yarigai ga aru.
Although the salary is low, the work is rewarding.
NOTE
With na-adjectives and nouns, attach なものの / であるものの (静か → 静かなものの).
STRUCTURE
Adj-Na/N
な/であるもののこの町は静かなものの、少し不便だ。
Kono machi wa shizuka na mono no, sukoshi fuben da.
Although this town is quiet, it's a bit inconvenient.
有名であるものの、実力は大したことがない。
Yuumei de aru mono no, jitsuryoku wa taishita koto ga nai.
Although he is famous, his actual ability is not much.
医者であるものの、自分の健康には無関心だ。
Isha de aru mono no, jibun no kenkou ni wa mukanshin da.
Although he is a doctor, he is indifferent to his own health.
Practice exercises
1
本当は休みたかったつつも、仕事に行ったものの、集中できなかった。
Although I truly wanted to rest, I went to work, though I couldn't concentrate.
Answer
ものの
2
熱があったにもかかわらず、発表を続けたものの、声が出にくそうだった。
Despite having a fever, he continued his presentation, though it seemed difficult for him to speak.
Answer
ものの
3
研究は素晴らしい反面、資金が足りなかったものの、諦めなかった。
The research was brilliant; on the other hand, there was insufficient funding, though they didn't give up.
Answer
ものの
4
新しい方針は批判されたものの、結果は良かった。
The new policy was criticized, though the results were good.
Answer
ものの
5
言動は理解しがたい点があったものの、根は優しい人だ。
His words and actions had points that were difficult to understand, though at heart, he is a kind person.
Answer
ものの