接続・逆接N1

〜ものを

if only... (but didn't) / although one could have... / it's a shame that...

Structure

普通形 + ものを

Explanation

V-ta + ものを: if only one had done it (but didn't); regret or reproach.

Examples

早く教えてくれればよかったものを、なぜ黙っていたのだ。

If only you'd told me sooner—why did you stay silent?

素直に謝ればよかったものを、彼は逃げてしまった。

He could have just apologized sincerely, but he ran away instead.

Note

Similar to のに, but ものを is more literary with stronger regret or reproach.

Related Grammar

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