目錄
The Japanese expression 「にひきかえ」 means “in contrast to…” or “compared with…, however…”. Its main function is to place two things side by side and highlight a very clear contrast between them. It is not a neutral comparison and often carries a difference in evaluation, especially in situations such as “the former is good, but the latter is bad” or “the situation is very different from before.”
For example, 「兄はまじめなのにひきかえ、弟は遊んでばかりいる」 does not simply say that the two brothers are different. It places the older brother’s seriousness against the younger brother’s tendency to do nothing but play, making the contrast especially striking. This article explains how 「にひきかえ」 connects to other words, how it is used, and how it differs from 「に対して」 and 「一方で」.
The core meaning of 「にひきかえ」 is a strong contrast, and it often carries feelings such as dissatisfaction, surprise, criticism, or admiration. An ordinary comparison can be completely neutral, but 「にひきかえ」 gives the sentence a sense of “compared with that, how can the difference be this big?”
| Japanese sentence | English meaning | Nuance |
| 去年は順調だったのにひきかえ、今年は厳しい | Last year went smoothly, but this year is difficult | Large difference between two periods |
| 兄はまじめなのにひきかえ、弟は自由だ | The older brother is serious, whereas the younger brother is free-spirited | Contrast between people |
| 都会は便利なのにひきかえ、生活費が高い | The city is convenient, but by contrast the cost of living is high | Contrast between advantages and disadvantages |
| 昔は静かだったのにひきかえ、今は人が多い | It used to be quiet, but now there are many people | Contrast over time |
For this reason, 「にひきかえ」 works well in essays, reading comprehension, drama and film dialogue, and writing with an evaluative or critical tone.
How to connect and use 「にひきかえ」
「にひきかえ」 can follow nouns, verbs in the plain form, い-adjectives, and な-adjectives. The two things being compared usually point in opposite directions, and the second half of the sentence is often what the speaker actually wants to emphasize.
| What it follows | Pattern | Example | Nuance |
| Noun | Noun＋にひきかえ | 昔にひきかえ | Compared with the past |
| Verb in the plain form | Verb＋のにひきかえ | 勉強するのにひきかえ | Contrast in behavior |
| い-adjective | い-adjective＋のにひきかえ | 安いのにひきかえ | Contrast in qualities |
| な-adjective | な-adjective＋なのにひきかえ | 静かなのにひきかえ | Contrast in states |
With 「にひきかえ」, the emphasis usually falls on the second half of the sentence. The first half acts like a point of comparison, while the second half is where the contrast is made especially noticeable.
Usage ① of 「にひきかえ」｜Showing a strong contrast between people or groups
Comparing people is one of the most intuitive uses of 「にひきかえ」. It is often used to place two people, two groups, or two attitudes side by side and highlight differences in behavior or personality.
- Example: 兄は毎日勉強しているのにひきかえ、弟は遊んでばかりいます。
Kana: あにはまいにちべんきょうしているのにひきかえ、おとうとはあそんでばかりいます。
Translation: The older brother studies every day, whereas the younger brother does nothing but play.
This sentence does more than simply compare the two brothers; it also conveys a critical attitude toward the younger brother’s behavior. - Example: 先輩は落ち着いているのにひきかえ、新人はまだ慌てています。
Kana: せんぱいはおちついているのにひきかえ、しんじんはまだあわてています。
Translation: The senior employee is calm, whereas the newcomer is still flustered.
The contrast is clear and is common in descriptions of workplaces or competitions. - Example: このチームは協力的なのにひきかえ、あのチームは連絡が少ないです。
Kana: このチームはきょうりょくてきなのにひきかえ、あのチームはれんらくがすくないです。
Translation: This team is cooperative, whereas that team communicates very little.
When comparing the two teams, the second half brings out both the difference and the problem.
Usage ② of 「にひきかえ」｜Showing a major difference between two periods of time
「にひきかえ」 is also commonly used to compare the past with the present, last year with this year, or an earlier period with a later one. This use often carries a sense of surprise or reflection because the change is large enough to be worth pointing out.
- Example: 去年は売上が好調だったのにひきかえ、今年はかなり厳しいです。
Kana: きょねんはうりあげがこうちょうだったのにひきかえ、ことしはかなりきびしいです。
Translation: Sales were strong last year, whereas this year is considerably more difficult.
This can be used in business reports to emphasize how sharply the situation has changed. - Example: 昔の駅前は静かだったのにひきかえ、今は観光客でいっぱいです。
Kana: むかしのえきまえはしずかだったのにひきかえ、いまはかんこうきゃくでいっぱいです。
Translation: The area in front of the station used to be quiet, whereas now it is full of tourists.
This sentence conveys both a change over time and an observation about the city. - Example: 学生時代は時間があったのにひきかえ、社会人になると自由な時間が少ないです。
Kana: がくせいじだいはじかんがあったのにひきかえ、しゃかいじんになるとじゆうなじかんがすくないです。
Translation: I had time when I was a student, whereas after entering the workforce, I have little free time.
The contrast between different stages of life is clear, making this suitable for reflections or essays.
Usage ③ of 「にひきかえ」｜Showing an extreme contrast between advantages, disadvantages, or results
Sometimes 「にひきかえ」 does not compare two people. It can also place an advantage against a disadvantage, expectations against reality, or conditions against results. In these cases, the sentence often has a slightly evaluative tone.
- Example: このホテルは駅に近いのにひきかえ、部屋が少し狭いです。
Kana: このホテルはえきにちかいのにひきかえ、へやがすこしせまいです。
Translation: This hotel is close to the station, whereas the rooms are a little small.
The first half is an advantage and the second half is a disadvantage, creating a clear contrast. - Example: 説明は短かったのにひきかえ、内容はとても深かったです。
Kana: せつめいはみじかかったのにひきかえ、ないようはとてもふかかったです。
Translation: The explanation was short, whereas the content was very deep.
This can also be a positive contrast, expressing that something was brief but substantial. - Example: 期待が大きかったのにひきかえ、結果は少し残念でした。
Kana: きたいがおおきかったのにひきかえ、けっかはすこしざんねんでした。
Translation: Expectations were high, whereas the result was a little disappointing.
The gap between expectations and the result is clear, making this a natural context for 「にひきかえ」.
What is the difference between 「にひきかえ」, 「に対して」, and 「一方で」?
「にひきかえ」, 「に対して」, and 「一方で」 can all be used for contrast, but their nuances differ. 「に対して」 is more objective, 「一方で」 can be used for neutral juxtaposition, while 「にひきかえ」 places stronger emphasis on contrast and differences in evaluation.
| Comparison point | にひきかえ | に対して | 一方で |
| Core nuance | Strong contrast, often with evaluation | Contrast, in comparison with | On the other hand, neutral juxtaposition |
| Strength | Strong | Medium | Neutral |
| Common contexts | Commentary, essays, reading passages | Explanatory writing, reports | Both writing and conversation |
| Emphasis on the second half | Very strong | Normal | Depends on context |
| Common mistake | Using it for an overly neutral comparison | Overlooking its use for the target of an attitude or action | Making the writing too loose |
▌Difference ①｜For an objective contrast, 「に対して」 is usually safer
✅ 兄は静かなのに対して、弟はよく話します。
△ 兄は静かなのにひきかえ、弟はよく話します。
If you are simply describing an objective difference in personality, 「に対して」 is more natural. 「にひきかえ」 makes the sentence sound more evaluative.
▌Difference ②｜To emphasize a gap and evaluation, 「にひきかえ」 is stronger
✅ 去年は順調だったのにひきかえ、今年は厳しいです。
△ 去年は順調だった一方で、今年は厳しいです。
「一方で」 can also show contrast, but its tone is flatter. 「にひきかえ」 makes the difference between the two situations more pronounced.
▌Difference ③｜When simply adding another side of the situation, 「一方で」 avoids a critical tone
✅ この町は静かです。一方で、交通は少し不便です。
△ この町は静かなのにひきかえ、交通は少し不便です。
If you are simply adding another side of the situation, 「一方で」 is more neutral. 「にひきかえ」 makes the disadvantage stand out more strongly.
What are some conversational examples of 「にひきかえ」? Practical situations in everyday life and writing
「にひきかえ」 often appears in Japanese with an evaluative tone. It can be used in essays, descriptions of changes in a city, analysis of work situations, and it is also useful for understanding drama or film dialogue that conveys dissatisfaction or surprise.
▌Conversation situation ①｜Comparing a strong contrast in personality
A：お兄さんはまじめですね。
おにいさんはまじめですね。
Your older brother is serious, isn’t he?
B：兄にひきかえ、弟は自由すぎます。
あににひきかえ、おとうとはじゆうすぎます。
Compared with my older brother, my younger brother is far too free-spirited.
📌 Grammar Point: 「兄にひきかえ」 uses the older brother as the point of comparison, while the second half expresses an evaluation of the younger brother.
▌Conversation situation ②｜Discussing a year-on-year difference in sales
A：今年の売上はどうですか。
ことしのうりあげはどうですか。
How are sales this year?
B：去年にひきかえ、今年はかなり厳しいです。
きょねんにひきかえ、ことしはかなりきびしいです。
Compared with last year, this year is considerably more difficult.
📌 Grammar Point: When 「にひきかえ」 is used to compare two periods of time, it makes the difference between them feel stronger.
▌Conversation situation ③｜Evaluating the pros and cons of a hotel stay
A：このホテル、駅から近くて便利でしたね。
このホテル、えきからちかくてべんりでしたね。
This hotel was close to the station and convenient, wasn’t it?
B：便利だったのにひきかえ、部屋は少し狭かったです。
べんりだったのにひきかえ、へやはすこしせまかったです。
It was convenient, but by contrast, the room was a little small.
📌 Grammar Point: The advantage and disadvantage are placed side by side to create a clear contrast.
Cultural Notes:
- Contrasts in Japanese are not necessarily neutral. 「にひきかえ」 carries the speaker’s evaluation, so when reading, pay attention to whether the second half of the sentence is being especially emphasized.
- In essays, 「にひきかえ」 works well for topics involving a clear difference, such as cities versus rural areas, the past versus the present, or expectations versus reality.
- Using 「にひきかえ」 too frequently in everyday conversation can sound stiff or overly evaluative. In conversations with friends, 「それに比べて」 or 「一方で」 is often more natural.
How does Japanese 「にひきかえ」 compare with Korean 「에 비해／반면」?
In Korean, 「에 비해」 can mean “compared with…,” while 「반면」 means “in contrast” or “on the other hand.” Both can correspond to part of the meaning of the Japanese 「にひきかえ」, but Japanese 「にひきかえ」 more often carries a clear difference in evaluation.
- Example: 형에 비해 동생은 너무 자유로워요.
Romanization: hyeong-e bi-hae dong-saeng-eun neo-mu ja-yu-ro-wo-yo.
Translation: Compared with the older brother, the younger brother is far too free-spirited.
This is close to the Japanese 「兄にひきかえ、弟は自由すぎます」, with an evaluative tone in the second half. - Example: 작년은 좋았던 반면, 올해는 많이 어려워요.
Romanization: jak-nyeon-eun jo-at-deon ban-myeon, ol-hae-neun ma-ni eo-ryeo-wo-yo.
Translation: Last year was good, whereas this year is much more difficult.
This is close to the Japanese 「去年にひきかえ、今年は厳しいです」, using a contrast between two periods of time to highlight the difference.
◆ Core difference from 「にひきかえ」:
The Korean 「에 비해」 can be used for an ordinary comparison, while 「반면」 can be used for a neutral contrast. Japanese 「にひきかえ」 generally creates a stronger contrast and often makes the second half sound dissatisfied, disappointing, surprising, or evaluative. When translating it, do not look only at the meaning “compared with”; also consider whether the sentence is emphasizing the size of the difference.
Japanese 「にひきかえ」 is suitable when the contrast is genuinely strong. For an ordinary comparison, 「に対して」 or 「一方で」 is enough. If the difference between the two sides carries evaluation, emotion, or disappointment, 「にひきかえ」 gives the sentence more force. When you encounter this expression, the second half is often what the writer most wants the reader to notice.
FAQs
「にひきかえ」 means “in contrast to…” or “compared with…, however…,” and is used to highlight a clear contrast between two things. It is usually more than a neutral comparison and often carries a difference in evaluation, with the second half being what the speaker actually wants to emphasize. If the sentence is simply describing the difference between A and B in a neutral way, 「に対して」 or 「一方で」 is more natural. If you want to convey that “the difference is large” or “the contrast is very noticeable,” 「にひきかえ」 is stronger.
「に対して」 can be used for objective contrast and can also mark the target of an attitude or action, while 「にひきかえ」 focuses specifically on contrast and has a stronger tone. For example, 「兄は静かなのに対して、弟はよく話す」 is an objective comparison, whereas 「兄は努力家なのにひきかえ、弟は遊んでばかりいる」 conveys criticism or disappointment. One way to judge between them is to look at whether the second half sounds more negative, disappointing, or surprising. If it does, 「にひきかえ」 is often more appropriate.
Yes, but there still needs to be a clear contrast. For example, 「説明は短かったのにひきかえ、内容は深かった」 is a positive contrast, meaning that the explanation was short but the content was deep. However, this pattern is more commonly seen in contexts such as “the former is good, but the latter is bad” or “expectations were high, but the result was weak.” If you are simply adding another positive point, 「一方で」 is more natural and does not make the sentence sound as strongly evaluative.
「にひきかえ」 can follow a noun, as well as verbs in the plain form, い-adjectives, and な-adjectives. A noun can connect directly, as in 「去年にひきかえ」, while verbs and adjectives often appear with 「のにひきかえ」 or 「なのにひきかえ」. Forms such as 「忙しいのにひきかえ」 and 「静かなのにひきかえ」 are also possible. When writing, make sure the two sides genuinely form a contrast rather than using the expression automatically whenever Chinese has a word meaning “compared with.”
It can be heard in everyday conversation, but it sounds harder and more evaluative than 「それに比べて」 or 「一方で」. When talking with friends, 「それに比べて」 is usually more natural. 「にひきかえ」 is well suited to essays, commentary, reports, or situations where you want to make a contrast especially clear. At the beginner stage, it is useful to become familiar with it first through reading and writing before deciding whether you need to use it in conversation.