although; even though (formal)

ものの concedes that the first clause is true but the second goes against it, in a fairly written, formal register. Attach it to a plain-form verb/adjective. The speaker acknowledges a fact, then notes a limitation or contrary result.

Examples

• 免許めんきょは取とったものの、車くるまを持もっていません。

  Menkyo wa totta mono no, kuruma o motte imasen.

  Although I got my licence, I don't own a car.

• やると言いったものの、自信じしんがない。

  Yaru to itta mono no, jishin ga nai.

  I said I'd do it, but I'm not confident.

Vocabulary in these examples

• 免許 license
• 取る to take; to pick up
• 車 car
• 持つ to hold; to have
• いる to exist (animate); to be
• やる to do

Related patterns · Contrast and concession

• 〜のに even though; despite (with surprise or complaint)
• 〜くせに even though; and yet (critical)
• 〜たところで no matter how much; even if (it won't help)