〜ものを

If only...; It's a pity that...

1. Overview

「〜ものを」 is a grammatical structure used to express regret or disappointment about a situation that did not go as hoped or expected. It conveys a sense of wishing things had turned out differently, often highlighting an implied contrast between what could have been and what actually is.

2. Structure

• Verb (plain form) + ものを
• Adjective (plain form) + ものを
• Noun + である + ものを

3. Usage Explanation

• Expressing Regret:
  This structure is used to indicate feelings of regret about an outcome that was not achieved, emphasizing that it could have been better.

• Implying Contrast:
  It often suggests an implied contrast between the expected positive outcome and the actual negative situation, making the regret more poignant.

• English Translation:
  It is typically translated as "if only..." or "it's a pity that...".

4. Example Sentences

1. もう少し勉強していれば、合格できたものを。
   If only I had studied a bit more, I could have passed.

2. 彼女に連絡すればよかったものを。
   It's a pity that I didn't contact her.

3. 時間があれば、旅行に行けたものを。
   If only I had more time, I could have gone on a trip.

4. 彼が協力してくれたら、成功したものを。
   If he had helped, we would have succeeded.

5. 天気が良ければ、ピクニックに行けたものを。
   It's a pity that the weather wasn't good; we could have gone for a picnic.

5. Key Points to Note

• Expresses Strong Emotion:
  This structure often carries a strong emotional weight, highlighting a sense of loss or disappointment.

• Common in Written Japanese:
  While it can be used in spoken language, it is more commonly found in written or formal contexts.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜ればよかった: This structure also expresses regret but focuses more on the action that should have been taken.
  • Example: もっと早く出発すればよかった。
    I should have left earlier.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜のに: Used to express regret or disappointment about an expected outcome that did not happen.
  • Example: 頑張ったのに、結果が出なかった。
    Even though I tried hard, the results didn't show.

8. Summary

「〜ものを」 is a structure used to express regret or disappointment regarding a situation that did not turn out as hoped. It conveys a sense of wishing for a different outcome and emphasizes the contrast between what could have been and what actually is. This expression is particularly effective in conveying strong emotions related to lost opportunities or unfulfilled expectations.