Japanese grammar
What does ～わりに mean? Japanese grammar N2
～わりに means considering (the level/condition), surprisingly… (a mismatch).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 動詞・い形 普通形 + わりに な形 な + わりに N の + わりに |
| Romaji | warini |
| Meaning | considering (the level/condition), surprisingly… (a mismatch) |
Forming it
| Noun | 値段 + の + わりに |
|---|---|
| Verb | よく食べる + わりに |
How to use it
Compares the result against the DEGREE/proportion one would expect, pointing out a mismatch; neutral, widely used.
- 「～わりに（は）」 compares the result against the DEGREE/condition one would expect, pointing out a MISMATCH: "compared to… it's actually…".
- Close to 「にしては」 but 「わりに」 emphasizes PROPORTION/degree (price, age, quantity…); 「にしては」 requires a specific benchmark/category.
- Can be used for both good and bad things.
Examples
この店は値段のわりに、量が多い。
For its price, this restaurant serves a lot.
彼はよく食べるわりに、太らない。
For how much he eats, he doesn’t gain weight.
Keep in mind
- A noun attaches with 「の」: 「N の わりに」.
- Can add 「は」: 「わりには」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong値段わりに、量が多い。
Compared to the price, the quantity is a lot.
Correct値段のわりに、量が多い。
A noun connects with 「の」 before 「わりに」.
-
Wrong初めてわりに、上手だ。
For a first attempt, that's quite good.
Correct初めてにしては、上手だ。
The benchmark "first time" (a specific category) suits 「にしては」; 「わりに」 is used when comparing by DEGREE/proportion.
Exam tips
- 「わりに」 = compared to the DEGREE/proportion, it's mismatched; different from 「にしては」 (a specific benchmark).