反Longer sentences
Even though
Things didn't go as expected. のに shows surprise or frustration, かわりに offers a trade-off, and ことは admits something, but…
Calm or frustrated?
けれども vs. のに
I studied, but I failed the exam.
A neutral report.
Even though I studied, I failed the exam!
It adds frustration or surprise.
のに
Against what you'd expect
I took the medicine, and yet I'm not better.
It's Sunday, and yet I'm working.
な after nouns and な adjectives.
And after I made it, too…
A predictable ending can be left out, which shows dissatisfaction.
Limits
のに is about facts
Because のに reacts to something that's already real, what follows can't be your request, suggestion, or plan: 寒いのに窓を開けてください is wrong. Use けれど for those. のに also expresses your own feeling, so it's too emotional for a neutral report.
Trade-offs
かわりに
I ate rice instead of bread.
Noun + の: one thing in place of another.
The room is small, but it's cheap to make up for it.
After a sentence: a trade-off.
Admitting, but
~ことは~が
I did read it, but I don't understand.
Repeat the word, around ことは.
It's far, sure, but it's a good shop.
Check yourself
What's the speaker's feeling?
Your turn
のに or けれど?
Say it yourself
A disappointing trip
You went to the beach during peak season, and even though you'd booked, your room wasn't ready. You'll stay at a cheaper place instead.
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