By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025
🔍 Meaning & Usage
The expression ～にひきかえ is used to compare two people, things, or situations, showing a clear contrast between them. It is often used when there is a strong difference in quality, condition, or attitude.
Structure:[Noun] + にひきかえ
It’s frequently used in formal writing or speech to emphasize contrast.
English Equivalent: “In contrast to…”, “Unlike…”, “Whereas…”
💡 Example Sentences
- 兄は社交的な性格なのにひきかえ、弟は内向的だ。
In contrast to his outgoing older brother, the younger brother is introverted. - 昨日の晴天にひきかえ、今日は雨が降っている。
In contrast to yesterday’s clear weather, it’s raining today. - 姉が几帳面なのにひきかえ、私はずぼらだ。
Unlike my meticulous sister, I’m lazy. - 若い社員が積極的なのにひきかえ、年配の社員は消極的だ。
In contrast to the younger employees who are proactive, the older ones are passive. - 日本の物価が高いのにひきかえ、東南アジアでは生活費が安い。
Whereas Japan has high living costs, Southeast Asia is much cheaper.
🔗 Related Grammar Patterns
～とは対照的に: also used to highlight contrast in formal contexts～に比べて: “Compared to…” (more neutral than ～にひきかえ)～反面: “On the other hand…” (used to express both sides of a situation)
✏️ Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blanks
Complete the sentences using ～にひきかえ:
- 田中さんの報告は詳しかった（ ）、山田さんのは簡単すぎた。
- 今年の冬は寒かった（ ）、去年はとても暖かかった。
- 兄は優秀なの（ ）、私は平凡な学生だ。
✔ Answers:
- 田中さんの報告は詳しかったにひきかえ、山田さんのは簡単すぎた。
- 今年の冬は寒かったにひきかえ、去年はとても暖かかった。
- 兄は優秀なのにひきかえ、私は平凡な学生だ。
2. Translate to Japanese
- Unlike his brother, he is quiet.
- Today is cold, unlike yesterday.
- Compared to her clean room, mine is a mess.
✔ Suggested Answers:
- 兄にひきかえ、彼は静かだ。
- 昨日にひきかえ、今日は寒い。
- 彼女のきれいな部屋にひきかえ、私の部屋はめちゃくちゃだ。
3. Choose the correct usage
Select the correct sentence using ～にひきかえ:
- 田中さんは日本人にひきかえ、日本語が話せません。
- 今日は寒いにひきかえ、昨日は暖かかったです。
- 彼のプレゼンにひきかえ、あなたのは完璧だった。
✔ Correct Answer:
③ 彼のプレゼンにひきかえ、あなたのは完璧だった。
📝 Summary
- Pattern: [Noun] + にひきかえ
- Meaning: “In contrast to…”, “Unlike…”
- Context: Used to show a clear contrast
- Formality: Medium to formal
- JLPT Level: N1
I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.
