日本語道場

Nihongo Dojo — N3 → N2

Grammar

N2

~にひきかえ

~ni hikikae

in contrast to

When to use it

Use ~にひきかえ in written or formal spoken Japanese to set two situations in sharp opposition, usually with an implicit evaluation (one good, one bad; one cautious, one aggressive). It is heavier and more contrastive than ~に対して, so it suits reports, analyses, and email where you want the gap between two states to land. Avoid it for neutral side-by-side comparisons of facts or figures.

Formation

  • Noun + にひきかえ(て):前期の好調にひきかえ…
  • Verb (plain) + のにひきかえ:伸びているのにひきかえ…
  • i-adjective (plain) + のにひきかえ:厳しいのにひきかえ…
  • na-adjective + なのにひきかえ:慎重なのにひきかえ…
  • Noun + な + のにひきかえ:赤字なのにひきかえ…
  • Written 引き換え; ~にひきかえて is also seen. The two clauses must be genuinely opposed — the pattern carries a judgment, not just a difference.

Examples

  • In contrast to last term's strong showing, this term we're struggling.

  • In contrast to the stagnant domestic market, overseas is growing double digits.

  • In contrast to his predecessor's caution, the new director is bold.

  • In contrast to head office's optimism, the front line feels real urgency.

  • In contrast to their harsh price demands, the delivery terms are lenient.