What Does “Ni mo Kakawarazu” Mean?
“Ni mo kakawarazu” is a formal Japanese expression that translates to “in spite of,” “despite,” or “even though” in English. It is used to indicate that something happens or is true, regardless of a particular condition, situation, or expectation. This phrase is often used in written Japanese, speeches, or polite conversations to emphasize that the outcome was unaffected by a specific obstacle or circumstance.
How to Formulate “Ni mo Kakawarazu”
The construction of “ni mo kakawarazu” is straightforward, but it requires attention to the type of word that precedes it:
- Nouns: Noun + にもかかわらず
- Na-adjectives: Na-adjective + である + にもかかわらず
- I-adjectives: I-adjective (plain form) + にもかかわらず
- Verbs: Verb (plain form) + にもかかわらず
Note that “ni mo kakawarazu” is more formal than the simpler “nonetheless” or “but” expressions like けれども (keredomo) or それでも (sore demo).
Example Sentences Using “Ni mo Kakawarazu”
To better understand how to use “ni mo kakawarazu,” let’s look at some practical examples:
- 雨 にもかかわらず、試合は続けられた。
(Ame ni mo kakawarazu, shiai wa tsuzukerareta.)
Despite the rain, the game continued. - 彼は病気 にもかかわらず、仕事に来た。
(Kare wa byouki ni mo kakawarazu, shigoto ni kita.)
In spite of being sick, he came to work. - 不便 であるにもかかわらず、その町に住みたい。
(Fuben de aru ni mo kakawarazu, sono machi ni sumitai.)
Even though it’s inconvenient, I want to live in that town. - 忙しい にもかかわらず、彼女は私を手伝ってくれた。
(Isogashii ni mo kakawarazu, kanojo wa watashi o tetsudatte kureta.)
Despite being busy, she helped me.
Nuances and Usage Tips
When using “ni mo kakawarazu,” keep in mind the following points for natural and accurate usage:
- It is generally reserved for more formal contexts, such as writing, presentations, or polite conversation.
- The phrase draws attention to the unexpected nature of the action or result, given the preceding condition.
- Avoid using it in casual, everyday dialogue with friends or family; in those situations, opt for けれども (keredomo) or それでも (sore demo).
- Be careful to match the grammatical form that comes before “ni mo kakawarazu” as explained in the formulation section.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many Japanese learners make a few typical errors when trying to use “ni mo kakawarazu.” Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Incorrect form: Forgetting to use である after na-adjectives or nouns in formal writing.
- Overusing in casual speech: Using “ni mo kakawarazu” in everyday conversation can sound overly stiff or unnatural.
- Misunderstanding nuance: Using “ni mo kakawarazu” for situations where the outcome is not truly unexpected or contrary to expectation.
How to Practice “Ni mo Kakawarazu”
To master this expression, try the following strategies:
- Read articles, essays, or news reports in Japanese and note instances of “ni mo kakawarazu.”
- Write your own sentences or short paragraphs using the structure to describe unexpected outcomes.
- Use AI-powered platforms like Talkpal to practice constructing sentences and receive instant feedback on your grammar and usage.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “ni mo kakawarazu” is a valuable step toward sounding more natural and sophisticated in Japanese. It allows you to express contrast and unexpected results in a nuanced, polite way. By understanding its meaning, proper grammatical construction, and appropriate context, you can confidently use “ni mo kakawarazu” in your Japanese writing and formal speech. For more tips, practice exercises, and AI-powered language support, be sure to explore the resources available on the Talkpal AI language learning blog. Happy studying!
