に引き換え
In stark contrast, In comparison, On the other hand, While, In sharp contrast
Structure
［な］Adjective＋な・である＋の＋にひきかえ
［い］Adjective＋の＋にひきかえ
Verb＋の＋にひきかえ
Phrase (A)。それにひきかえ、Noun は＋Phrase (B)
Explanation
に引き換え is a grammar structure used to express a sharp contrast between two subjects. It can be translated as ‘in sharp contrast to (A), (B)’ or ‘whereas (A), (B) is completely different’. The literal meaning, ‘to pull and exchange’, helps to remember that this pattern emphasizes a very clear and significant difference, as if completely trading one situation for another.
に引き換え is formed from the case-marking particle に, the conjunctive form (i-stem) of the Godan verb 引く (to pull), which is 引き, and the conjunctive form of the Ichidan verb 換える (to exchange), which is 換え.
に引き換え can be attached to various word types. However, verbs and い-Adjectives must be followed by の, while な-Adjectives require なの before this grammar point can be used.
- 勤勉な弟がいつも真面目に宿題をしているのに引き換え、兄は遊んでばかりいる。In stark contrast to my diligent younger brother who is always doing his homework, my older brother does nothing but play around.
- 姉が明るいのに引き換え、妹はとても無口だ。My older sister is so cheerful, but in sharp contrast, my younger sister is very quiet.
- 駅前がにぎやかなのに引き換え、うちの近所は静かだ。Whereas the area in front of the station is bustling with activity, my neighborhood is very quiet.
- 昨日の晴天に引き換え、今日は朝から雨だ。In stark contrast to yesterday's clear skies, it's been raining since this morning.
The two items being compared, (A) and (B), are typically polar opposites. The speaker often presents one side as positive or desirable and the other as negative or undesirable from their personal viewpoint.
Furthermore, when used at the beginning of a sentence, それにひきかえ can draw a contrast with the entire preceding statement.
- 田中さんはいつも部長に褒められている。それに引き換え、きみは。。。Tanaka is always getting praised by the department manager. In contrast, you...
Caution
Both parts of the comparison, (A) and (B), must be objective facts that can be clearly observed. For this reason, に引き換え is not used in sentences that express speculation or probability.
- 今月は忙しいのに引き換え、来月は暇になるだろう。In contrast to how busy this month is, next month will probably be free. (Unnatural Japanese)
Examples
兄が毎日一生懸命勉強しているのにひきかえ、弟はゲームばかりしている。
In stark contrast to my older brother who studies diligently every day, my younger brother does nothing but play video games.
静かな田舎にひきかえ、都会はいつも人で賑やかだ。
In stark contrast to the quiet countryside, the city is always bustling with people.
去年は会社の業績が良かった。それにひきかえ今年は非常に厳しい状況だ。
Last year, the company's performance was good. In stark contrast to that, the situation this year is extremely tough.
昨日の晴天にひきかえ、今日は一日中雨が降っている。
In stark contrast to yesterday's clear weather, it has been raining all day today.
あそこの店のラーメンがおいしいのにひきかえ、ここのは本当にまずい。
In stark contrast to the delicious ramen at that shop over there, the one here is truly awful.
親友はスポーツが万能だ。それにひきかえ私は運動がからっきしだめだ。
My best friend is an all-around athlete. In stark contrast to that, I'm completely hopeless at sports.