「〜とは反対に」- Expressing Contrast

Explanation

〜とは反対に〜とははんたいに is a grammatical structure used to express contrast between two things or situations. This expression is commonly used in Japanese, especially when emphasizing differences or opposites. The structure can be formed by attaching 「〜とは反対に」 to the plain form of verbs, the dictionary form of い-adjectives, and the dictionary form of な-adjectives (with な). The particle 「は」 can be omitted, resulting in 「〜と反対に」.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
〜とは反対に〜とははんたいに	Plain form of verbs, dictionary form of い-adjectives, dictionary form of な-adjectives	Used to describe the opposite relationship between two things or situations.

Basic Usage

「〜とは反対に」 is primarily used to describe the opposite relationship between two things or situations. For example:

• 姉あねは勤勉きんべんなのとは反対に、妹いもうとは遊あそび好すきだ。
• Ane wa kinben na no to wa hantai ni, imouto wa asobi suki da.
• My older sister is hardworking, while my younger sister loves to play.
  

This structure is very useful for clearly expressing contrasts.

Examples

Plain Form of Verbs

• 彼かれはよく勉強べんきょうするのとは反対に、弟おとうとは全然ぜんぜん勉強べんきょうしない。
• Kare wa yoku benkyou suru no to wa hantai ni, otouto wa zenzen benkyou shinai.
• He studies hard, while his younger brother doesn’t study at all.
  

Dictionary Form of い-Adjectives

• この服ふくは高たかいのとは反対に、あの服ふくは安やすい。
• Kono fuku wa takai no to wa hantai ni, ano fuku wa yasui.
• This piece of clothing is expensive, while that one is cheap.
  

Dictionary Form of な-Adjectives

• 田中たなかさんは静しずかなのとは反対に、鈴木すずきさんはとても賑にぎやかだ。
• Tanaka-san wa shizuka na no to wa hantai ni, Suzuki-san wa totemo nigiyaka da.
• Mr. Tanaka is quiet, while Mr. Suzuki is very lively.
  

Deep Dive

「〜とは反対に」 is used to emphasize the opposite relationship between two things or situations. It is not limited to describing personality or behavior contrasts but can also be used for other comparisons, such as price or state.

• Personality Contrast:

  • 彼かれは内向的ないこうてきなのとは反対に、友達ともだちは外向的がいこうてきだ。
  • Kare wa naikouteki na no to wa hantai ni, tomodachi wa gaikouteki da.
  • He is introverted, while his friend is extroverted.
    

• Price Contrast:

  • このパソコンぱそこんは高価こうかなのとは反対に、あのパソコンぱそこんは安価あんかだ。
  • Kono pasokon wa kouka na no to wa hantai ni, ano pasokon wa anka da.
  • This computer is expensive, while that one is cheap.
    

• State Contrast:

  • この部屋へやは明あかるいのとは反対に、隣となりの部屋へやは暗くらい。
  • Kono heya wa akarui no to wa hantai ni, tonari no heya wa kurai da.
  • This room is bright, while the next room is dark.
    

Real-Life Scenarios

In Everyday Conversations

• A: 昨日きのうの映画えいがはどうだった？
• B: 面白おもしろいのとは反対に、退屈たいくつだった。
• A: Kinou no eiga wa dou datta?
• B: Omoshiroi no to wa hantai ni, taikutsu datta.
• A: How was the movie yesterday?
• B: Contrary to being interesting, it was boring.
  

In Writing

• この新あたらしい政策せいさくは、前まえの政策せいさくとは反対に、経済けいざいを改善かいぜんすることを目指めざしている。
• Kono atarashii seisaku wa, mae no seisaku to wa hantai ni, keizai o kaizen suru koto o mezashiteiru.
• This new policy, in contrast to the previous one, aims to improve the economy.
  

Summary

「〜とは反対に」 is a highly practical expression used to contrast two opposite situations. Mastering this grammar will help you convey contrasts and opposites more clearly in Japanese. Through the examples and explanations provided, you can better understand and use this structure effectively.