Japanese grammar

What does ～代わり mean? Japanese grammar N3

～代わり means in exchange for; in return; on the other hand.

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)	N3
Structure	Nの／Vる + 代わりに
Romaji	kawari
Meaning	in exchange for; in return; on the other hand

Forming it

Connection	Nの／Vる + 代わりに

How to use it

Two meanings: (a) SUBSTITUTION (doing something in place of someone/something); (b) TRADE-OFF (gaining this in exchange for that).

Meaning (a) SUBSTITUTION: 「父の代わりに私が出る」 = I'll go in my father's place. A noun connects with 「の」.
Meaning (b) TRADE-OFF: 「料理を作る代わりに皿を洗って」 = in exchange for me cooking, you wash the dishes. The two sides are balanced.
Distinguish: meaning (a) both sides play the same role; meaning (b) two different things offset each other.

Examples

父(ちち)の代(か)わりに、私(わたし)が会議(かいぎ)に出(で)ます。
I will attend the meeting in my father’s place.
料理(りょうり)を作(つく)る代(か)わりに、皿(さら)を洗(あら)ってください。
In return for my cooking, please wash the dishes.

Keep in mind

Nouns connect with 「の」.
In meaning (b), the two things must be comparable in value.

Common mistakes

Wrong父(ちち)に代(か)わりに、会議(かいぎ)に出(で)ます。

Correct父(ちち)の代(か)わりに、会議(かいぎ)に出(で)ます。

A person noun connects with Nの代わりに.

Exam tips

「代わりに」 = (a) substitution / (b) trade-off; a noun connects with 「の」.

Related patterns

All N3 grammar →