Japanese grammar
What does ～にひきかえ mean? Japanese grammar N1
～にひきかえ means in sharp contrast to; unlike.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N／plain form + の + にひきかえ |
| Romaji | nihikikae |
| Meaning | in sharp contrast to; unlike |
Forming it
| Connection | N／plain form + の + にひきかえ |
|---|
How to use it
Places two things side by side to highlight a CONTRAST, along with the speaker's evaluation.
- 「Aにひきかえ、B」 = in contrast to A, B. The two clauses must contrast clearly: 「兄が活発なのにひきかえ、弟は静かだ」.
- Connection: direct after a noun 「去年にひきかえ」; a clause adds 「の」 — 「活発なのにひきかえ」.
- Different from 「に対して」 (OBJECTIVE comparison, without personal feeling): 「にひきかえ」 always carries the speaker's tone of praise/criticism.
Examples
兄が活発なのにひきかえ、弟は静かだ。
In contrast to his active older brother, the younger brother is quiet.
去年にひきかえ、今年は雨が多い。
In contrast to last year, there is a lot of rain this year.
Keep in mind
- The particle is 「に」: 「去年にひきかえ」, not 「去年をひきかえ」.
- A clause must add 「の」 before 「にひきかえ」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong去年をひきかえ今年は雨が多い。
Correct去年にひきかえ今年は雨が多い。
The object of contrast takes にひきかえ.
Exam tips
- 「にひきかえ」 = in contrast to (with an evaluation); a clause needs 「の」.