Use '反対に' to highlight a clear contrast or an unexpected reversal of a previous statement.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to introduce an opposite idea or situation.
- Functions as a connective adverb in sentences.
- Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
概要
「反対に」は、ある事柄や意見を述べた後で、それとは逆の方向性を持つ事柄を付け加える際に用いる表現です。文と文をつなぐ接続詞的な役割を果たすことが多く、論理的な対比を明確にするために非常に重要です。
使用パターン
文頭に置かれることが多く、「A。反対に、B。」という構成をとります。AとBは、質や性質において反対の関係にある必要があります。また、文中で「〜はAだが、反対に〜はBだ」のように、主語を比較する際にも使われます。
類似語との比較
「逆に」は「反対に」とほぼ同じ意味で使えますが、「逆に」の方がより口語的で、会話の中で頻繁に使われます。「反対に」は、より客観的で論理的な響きがあるため、書き言葉や公的な場でのスピーチにも適しています。
Examples
昨日まで晴れていたが、反対に今日は雨が降っている。
everydayIt was sunny until yesterday, but on the contrary, it is raining today.
この計画は成功すると予想されたが、反対に大きな損失を出した。
formalThis plan was expected to succeed, but on the contrary, it caused a large loss.
兄は勉強が好きだが、反対に弟はスポーツが好きだ。
informalMy older brother likes studying, while on the contrary, my younger brother likes sports.
A群は改善が見られた。反対に、B群は悪化した。
academicGroup A showed improvement. On the contrary, Group B deteriorated.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
反対に言えば
in other words / conversely
反対に動く
move in the opposite direction
反対に考える
think conversely
Often Confused With
Both mean 'conversely', but '逆に' is much more common in casual conversation. '反対に' sounds slightly more formal and logical.
This means 'in contrast to that'. It focuses more on the relationship between two entities rather than the reversal of a situation.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '反対に' when you want to emphasize a logical contradiction between two points. It is versatile enough for both professional writing and serious conversation. Avoid using it for minor differences; it is best reserved for clear, distinct opposites.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use it to connect two similar sentences, which creates confusion. Remember that the two parts must represent opposite states or actions. Do not use it as a simple 'and' connector.
Tips
Use it to emphasize contrast
Place '反対に' at the start of a sentence to signal a sharp turn in the logic. This helps the listener prepare for an opposing viewpoint.
Avoid overuse in short sentences
Using it too frequently can make your speech sound robotic. Try varying your transitions with other words like '逆に' or 'それに対して'.
Formal vs Informal nuance
In Japanese business culture, using '反対に' sounds more professional than '逆に'. It shows you are being precise and logical.
Word Origin
Derived from '反対' (opposite/opposition) and the particle 'に' (adverbial marker). It literally means 'in the state of being opposite'.
Cultural Context
In Japanese communication, direct opposition is often softened. '反対に' is a useful, neutral way to state a difference without being overly aggressive or confrontational.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'U-turn' sign on the road. Just like a U-turn changes your direction completely, '反対に' changes the direction of the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions意味はほとんど同じですが、「逆に」の方が日常会話で使われる傾向があります。「反対に」は少し硬い表現で、文章やフォーマルな場に適しています。
文頭に置くのが最も一般的です。文の途中で使う場合は、「Aは〜、反対にBは〜」というように、二つの対象を対比させる構文になります。
予想と違う結果が出た時や、二つのものに明確な違いがあることを強調したい時に使います。論理的な説明をするときに非常に便利です。
はい、使えます。例えば「彼は勉強した。反対に、彼女は全くしなかった」のように、行動の対比として使うことが可能です。
Test Yourself
昨日はとても暑かった。___、今日はとても寒い。
暑いことと寒いことは反対の状況であるため、「反対に」が適しています。
正しい文を選んでください。
内向的と外交的という対照的な性質を比較しているため、この文が最も適切です。
（高い / 買うのをやめた / 反対に / 彼は / 値段が / 安いので / 買った）
高いから買わないという行為と、安いから買うという対比構造が正しく作られています。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '反対に' to highlight a clear contrast or an unexpected reversal of a previous statement.
- Used to introduce an opposite idea or situation.
- Functions as a connective adverb in sentences.
- Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Use it to emphasize contrast
Place '反対に' at the start of a sentence to signal a sharp turn in the logic. This helps the listener prepare for an opposing viewpoint.
Avoid overuse in short sentences
Using it too frequently can make your speech sound robotic. Try varying your transitions with other words like '逆に' or 'それに対して'.
Formal vs Informal nuance
In Japanese business culture, using '反対に' sounds more professional than '逆に'. It shows you are being precise and logical.
Examples
4 of 4昨日まで晴れていたが、反対に今日は雨が降っている。
It was sunny until yesterday, but on the contrary, it is raining today.
この計画は成功すると予想されたが、反対に大きな損失を出した。
This plan was expected to succeed, but on the contrary, it caused a large loss.
兄は勉強が好きだが、反対に弟はスポーツが好きだ。
My older brother likes studying, while on the contrary, my younger brother likes sports.
A群は改善が見られた。反対に、B群は悪化した。
Group A showed improvement. On the contrary, Group B deteriorated.
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遅めに
B1Late or later than usual.
経理
B1Accounting, accounts department; managing financial records.
的確な
B1Accurate; precise; exactly correct.
達成する
B1To achieve; to accomplish a goal.
活性化
B2To make something more active, lively, or effective. It is used for communities (revitalization), economies (stimulation), and biological processes (activation).
付加
B2To add or attach something extra to an existing thing to increase its value or function.
優位性
B2The state of being in a superior or more advantageous position compared to others; an edge or competitive advantage.
有利
A2Advantageous, favorable; beneficial in a situation.
有利に
B1Advantageously; favorably.
宣伝する
B1To promote; to publicize; to advertise.
