These 8 patterns frequently appear on the JLPT N2 exam. Each expresses a specific relationship between clauses. Learn the nuance and practice using them in context.
〜にもかかわらずdespite / in spite of
Ame ni mo kakawarazu, shiai wa tsuzuita.
Despite the rain, the game continued.
〜に対してtowards / in contrast to / against
Kare no iken ni taishite, watashi wa sansei dekinai.
Regarding his opinion, I cannot agree.
〜によってdepending on / by means of / due to
Hito ni yotte iken ga chigau.
Opinions differ depending on the person.
〜をめぐってconcerning / around (a disputed matter)
Tochi wo megutte arasoi ga okita.
A dispute arose over the land.
〜に加えてin addition to / on top of
Eigo ni kuwaete, Nihongo mo hanaseru.
In addition to English, I can also speak Japanese.
〜に比べてcompared to / in comparison with
Kyonen ni kurabete, kotoshi wa atatakai.
Compared to last year, this year is warm.
〜に関してregarding / concerning / about
Kono mondai ni kanshite, kuwashiku shirabeta.
I investigated this issue in detail.
〜をはじめstarting with / including / and others
Toukyou wo hajime, ooku no toshi ga eikyou wo uketa.