〜ものの
Although (written) 〜ものの
Meaning
"Although ~", "~, but" — the expected consequence did not follow.
Formation
[plain form] + ものの · [na-adj] な + ものの · [noun] である + ものの
Notes
Written and somewhat literary. The first clause is a fact the speaker concedes; the second falls short of what it promised: 買ったものの、一度も使っていない. とはいうものの is the set phrase "having said that".
Examples
買（か）ったものの、一度（いちど）も使（つか）っていません。
I bought it, but I have never once used it.
Breakdown
約束（やくそく）はしたものの、行（い）けるかどうか分（わ）かりません。
I did promise, but I do not know whether I can go.
Breakdown
春（はる）になったものの、まだ寒（さむ）い日（ひ）が続（つづ）いています。
Spring has come, and yet cold days continue.
Breakdown
日本語（にほんご）は話（はな）せるものの、書（か）くのは苦手（にがて）です。
I can speak Japanese, but I am poor at writing it.
Breakdown
とはいうものの、簡単（かんたん）ではありません。
Having said that, it is not easy.
Breakdown
⚠️ Often confused with
〜が、〜
But 〜が
Connects two clauses with contrast — "but / however". More formal/written than けど.
〜けど、〜
But 〜けど (colloquial)
Connects two clauses with contrast — "but / however". The everyday spoken equivalent of が...
〜のに
Although 〜のに
Contrast with feeling — "although ~", "even though ~". Carries surprise, disappointment or...
〜くせに
Even though (reproach) 〜くせに
"Even though ~", "and yet ~" — with contempt, blame or resentment.
〜ながらも
Although (formal) 〜ながらも
"Although ~", "while ~" — a written contrast between two facts held at once.
〜にもかかわらず
In spite of 〜にもかかわらず
"In spite of ~", "despite ~" — a strong, formal contrast.
〜わりに
Considering 〜わりに
"Considering ~", "for a ~" — the result is out of proportion with what you would expect.
〜とはいえ
Be that as it may 〜とはいえ
"Although ~", "be that as it may" — concedes a known fact, then denies the expectation it...
〜といえども
Even granting that 〜といえども
"Even though ~", "even ~ (of all people)" — a very formal concession.