～ものを
mono wo
If only; although ... regrettably
Formation 接続
Full formation notes
plain clause + ものを
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation 説明
Expresses regret or reproach about an avoidable bad outcome, often in literary or emotional language.
Examples 例文
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先に資料を確認しておけばよかったものを、彼は何もしなかった。
He should have taken care of checking the documents beforehand, but he did nothing.
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先に先生に相談しておけばよかったものを、彼は何もしなかった。
He should have taken care of consulting the teacher beforehand, but he did nothing.
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先に計画を見直しておけばよかったものを、彼は何もしなかった。
He should have taken care of reviewing the plan beforehand, but he did nothing.
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先に会場を下見しておけばよかったものを、彼は何もしなかった。
He should have taken care of inspecting the venue beforehand beforehand, but he did nothing.
-
先に十分に練習しておけばよかったものを、彼は何もしなかった。
He should have taken care of practicing thoroughly beforehand, but he did nothing.
How related patterns differ 比較
ものを regrets an avoidable bad outcome. やむを得ず reluctantly accepts circumstances; だけまし finds a redeeming point. としたところで and たところで assume a case but commonly maintain a limitation in the result.
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ～ものを | If only; although ... regrettably | 先に資料を確認しておけばよかったものを、彼は何もしなかった。 He should have taken care of checking the documents beforehand, but he did nothing. |
| ～やむをえず | Unavoidably; reluctantly | 交通機関が止まり、やむを得ず会議を欠席した。 Transport was suspended, so I had no choice but to miss the meeting. |
| ～たところで | Even if one did; would not help | 今から資料を確認したところで、締め切りには間に合わない。 Even if I were to check the documents now, I would not meet the deadline. |
| ～だけまし | At least better; fortunate that | 会議は延期されたが、中止にならなかっただけましだ。 The event, the meeting, was postponed, but at least it was not canceled. |
| ～としたところで | Even assuming; even for | 教師としたところで、一人で全部はできない。 Even a teacher cannot do everything alone. |
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