ものの
🃏 Flashcard
ものの
monono
Tap to reveal usage
but; although; even though~
N2
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading
monono
Post ID
51069
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
but; although; even though~
📖 How to use it
Connects two clauses to express a concession: 'but' or 'although', often with a nuance of dissatisfaction or unexpected result.
Attaches to
Attaches to the plain past or plain non-past form of verbs and adjectives, and to 'noun + である' or 'な-adjective + である'.
This pattern is used to say 'although' or 'but', but it carries a feeling that the second clause is unexpected or somewhat disappointing given the first. It is more formal and literary than 'けど' or 'が'. For example, you might say someone studied hard, but still failed the test—there's a sense of irony or regret. In conversation, you will often hear it, but it has a slightly stiff, written tone. It can also be used to politely express disagreement or a counterargument, as in 'although that may be true, I still think...'.
大学に入ったものの、授業が難しすぎてついていけない。
Daigaku ni haitta monono, jugyou ga muzukashisugite tsuiteikenai.
Although I entered university, the classes are so hard that I can't keep up.
約束したものの、行けなくなってしまった。
Yakusoku shita monono, ikenaku natte shimatta.
I promised, but it turned out I couldn't go.
彼の説明は正しいものであるものの、わかりにくい。
Kare no setsumei wa tadashii mono de aru monono, wakarinikui.
Although his explanation is correct, it's hard to understand.
Not のに
のに expresses a stronger sense of complaint or disappointment (e.g., 'even though...'), and the result is often contrary to expectation. ものの is more neutral and formal, simply stating a contrast without strong emotion.
Register
Formal and often used in written language or formal speech; in casual conversation, けど or のに are more common.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
ものの
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat ものの three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using ものの. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N2 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern ものの mean?
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But; although; even though~
What JLPT level is ものの?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use ものの in a sentence?
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Attach ものの (monono) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is ものの formal or casual Japanese?
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ものの is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember ものの long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.