Tomodai
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ものを

Even though ~ / Although ~ (with regret, blame, or criticism) Used to express strong dissatisfaction or regret that the result turned out badly despite a condition that should have prevented it.

N1

Meaning

Even though ~ / Although ~ (with regret, blame, or criticism) Used to express strong dissatisfaction or regret that the result turned out badly despite a condition that should have prevented it.

Formation

Verb (plain form) + ものを
い-adjective (plain form) + ものを
な-adjective + な + ものを
Noun + な + ものを

Explanation

ものを is a formal, written expression used when the speaker looks back at a situation and expresses:

  • regret

  • criticism

  • disappointment

  • reproach

The key idea is:

“Things should not have turned out this way.”

The clause before ものを presents a sufficient condition — something that should have led to a better result.
However, the actual outcome was negative, and the speaker expresses dissatisfaction about it.

Key nuance:

  • Strong emotional judgment, but expressed in a controlled, written style

  • Often implies:

    • “If only…”

    • “It was enough to…, but…”

  • Common in:

    • written narratives

    • criticism

    • reflective statements

    • JLPT N1 reading passages

This grammar is not neutral.
It clearly shows the speaker’s negative evaluation of the outcome.