Translation and Meaning of: にも拘らず - nimokakawarazu

The Japanese word にも拘らず (にもかかわらず) is an expression that often appears in formal conversations and writings, carrying a meaning that can be a bit complex for beginner students. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday use, and some curiosities about how it is perceived in the Japanese language. If you've ever encountered this construction and felt confused, don't worry – by the end, everything will make sense.

In addition to understanding the literal translation, it's important to know how にもかかわらず fits into different contexts. Is it only used in negative situations? Is there a trick to memorize it more easily? Let's answer these and other questions as we dive into the universe of this versatile expression.

Meaning and translation of にもかかわらず

In Portuguese, にもかかわらず can be translated as "despite," "notwithstanding," or "even so." It indicates a contradiction or contrast between two ideas, showing that something happened or is true even with the existence of an obstacle or opposing condition. For example, if someone says "雨にもかかわらず出かけた" (Ame ni mo kakawarazu dekaketa), it means "Went out despite the rain."

What makes this expression interesting is its formal nature. Unlike words like けど or のに, which also express contrast but are more informal, にもかかわらず is frequently used in written texts, speeches, or situations that require politeness. This doesn’t mean it never appears in everyday conversations, but its frequency is lower in relaxed contexts.

Origin and grammatical structure

The expression にもかかわらず is formed by several particles and verbs. The に indicates direction or state, も adds emphasis ("even"), and かかわらず comes from the verb 拘る (kakawaru), which means "to relate" or "to get involved." Literally, we could interpret it as "regardless of" or "without being constrained by." This construction reflects well the meaning of overcoming an adverse condition.

It is worth noting that although the kanji 拘 is technically correct, it is common to see the expression written only in hiragana (にもかかわらず), especially in more modern texts. This does not change the meaning, but it may confuse students who are used to searching for words by their Chinese characters. The hiragana version is also accepted and widely understood.

Tips for using にもかかわらず correctly

One of the most common questions is knowing when to choose にもかかわらず instead of other similar expressions like のに or けれども. The main difference lies in the linguistic register: while のに is neutral and けれども is slightly formal, にもかかわらず sounds more solemn and is preferable in academic, professional, or written contexts. In an email to your boss, for example, it would be more appropriate than in a message to friends.

To memorize this expression, one strategy is to associate it with situations of overcoming obstacles. Think of phrases like "困難にもかかわらず成功した" (Konnan ni mo kakawarazu seikou shita) - "Succeeded despite difficulties." This type of construction helps to solidify not only the meaning but also the feeling of overcoming obstacles that the word carries. Over time, usage will become more natural.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

それでも (soredemo) - Still; used to indicate that something remains true despite a prior circumstance.
それなのに (sore nanoni) - However; it indicates a contrast with the expectation that the previous situation might suggest.
それにもかかわらず (sore ni mo kakawarazu) - Despite this; used to emphasize that something occurs regardless of an adverse circumstance.
それに対して (sore ni taishite) - In contrast to this; used to show a comparative relationship between two situations.
それに反して (sore ni hanshite) - In opposition to this; it expresses an idea contrary to the mentioned circumstance.
それにも関わらず (sore ni mo kakawara zu) - Despite this; similar to "それにもかかわらず", it emphasizes persistence regardless of an obstacle.