N3Chapter 54Unit 4 · Conditions and Nuance

Contrast and Concession

Learning objectives

  • Choose contrast forms by emotion and register.
  • Avoid the accusatory force of くせに in neutral contexts.
  • Compare a result with an expected standard using にしては.
N3 context
All these forms can translate as “although” or “even though,” but they do different social work: reporting an unexpected result, granting a hypothetical condition, acknowledging two sides, criticising someone, or comparing reality with an expectation.
Vocabulary語彙
6 terms

  • 予想

    よそう

    noun

    expectation; prediction

  • 不満

    ふまん

    noun

    dissatisfaction

  • 評価

    ひょうか

    noun

    evaluation

  • 経験

    けいけん

    noun

    experience

  • 意外

    いがい

    adj

    unexpected

  • 認める

    みとめる

    verb

    to acknowledge
Pattern contrast使い分け

Contrast has a tone

plain + のに

emotional

although; despite

Marks an unexpected result, often with disappointment, surprise, or complaint.

予約したのに、三十分も待たされた。

Although I had booked, I was made to wait thirty minutes.

V-ても／Nでも

neutral

even if; even though

Concedes a real or hypothetical condition without necessarily expressing blame.

雨が降っても、試合は行われます。

Even if it rains, the match will be held.

stem／N／adj + ながらも

written

although; while acknowledging

A compact, often written way to recognise one fact before presenting a contrasting fact.

小さいながらも、設備が整っている。

Although it is small, it is well equipped.

plain + くせに

critical

even though; despite

Expresses criticism, contempt, or blame. Avoid it toward superiors and in neutral explanation.

知っているくせに、何も教えてくれなかった。

Even though they knew, they told me nothing.

N／plain + にしては

evaluation

for; considering

The result differs from the standard normally expected for that category or situation.

初めてにしては、よくできました。

For a first attempt, you did well.

Do not soften a complaint with くせに

新人なのに詳しい expresses surprise. 新人のくせに偉そうだ attacks the person for acting contrary to the speaker’s expectation. The second form is deliberately harsh.

Guided practice練習

Match the contrast to the intended attitude.

  1. 1.Neutral rule: the event proceeds even if it snows.

  2. 2.Written acknowledgement: the device is old but still useful.

  3. 3.Positive evaluation: the report is good for a beginner.
Reading practice読解

A small hotel with a strong reputation

travel review

Target: 3 minutes
駅から遠いにもかかわらず、この旅館はいつも予約でいっぱいです。建物は古いながらも、部屋はきれいに手入れされています。値段が安いのに食事も評判がよく、初めて訪れた人にしては「前にも来たような気がする」と感じるほど温かい雰囲気があります。
Study this passage
旅館（りょかん）
Japanese inn
手入れ（ていれ）
care; maintenance
  1. What two positive contrasts are described?
  2. What expectation does にしては establish?
Listening rehearsal聴解

A disappointing purchase

Listen for the speaker's emotional contrast.

Listen before opening the transcript.
  1. Which form carries disappointment?
Key takeawaysまとめ
  • 1のに often carries emotion; ても gives neutral concession.
  • 2ながらも acknowledges two sides in compact written style.
  • 3くせに is critical; にしては compares reality with an expected standard.

Knowledge Check

Practice Quiz
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約束した＿＿、来なかった。