に反して
Go against, Contrary to
Structure
Noun + に反する + Noun
Explanation
The grammar pattern に反して is formed by combining the particle に with the て-form of the verb 反する, which means 'to be contrary to' or 'to violate'. This construction is used to introduce a result or situation that is the opposite of a previous statement or expectation. It is often translated as 'contrary to (A), (B)' or 'in defiance of (A), (B)'.
に反して always comes after a noun and is followed by a clause that describes the contrasting outcome. Additionally, the form に反する can be used to directly describe a noun that follows it.
- 息子は父の願いに反して、海外で暮らすことを決めた。My son decided to live abroad, going against his father's wishes.
- 天気予報に反して、ピクニックの日は完璧な晴れだった。Contrary to the weather forecast, the day of the picnic was perfectly sunny.
- 法律に反する行動は、決して許されない。Actions that violate the law will never be tolerated.
In contrast to に対して, に反して is frequently used when an actual result does not align with a prior expectation or forecast.
- 大方の予想に反して、試験はとても簡単だった。Contrary to most expectations, the exam was very easy. (Natural Japanese)
- 大方の予想に対して、試験はとても簡単だった。Contrary to most expectations, the exam was very easy. (Unnatural Japanese)
に反して carries a rather formal tone, so it is mainly encountered in written materials, formal announcements, or prepared speeches.
Examples
校則に反して、ピアスをつけた生徒は先生に叱られた。
The student who wore earrings, in violation of the school rules, was scolded by the teacher.
親の願いに反して、彼女は海外で暮らすことを選んだ。
Going against her parents' wishes, she chose to live abroad.
みんなの期待に反して、人気だったレストランがあっという間に閉店してしまった。
Contrary to everyone's expectations, the popular restaurant closed down in no time.
医者の指示に反して、彼は薬を飲むのをやめてしまった。
Going against the doctor's orders, he stopped taking his medicine.
天気予報に反して、今日は一日中いい天気だった。
Contrary to the weather forecast, the weather was great all day today.
自分の信念に反する行動はしたくない。
I don't want to do anything that goes against my own beliefs.
兄は内向的なのに反し、弟はとても社交的だ。
In contrast to my older brother who is introverted, my younger brother is very sociable.
会社の方針に反する意見を言ったら、上司に睨まれた。
When I voiced an opinion that went against company policy, my boss glared at me.
あの選手の行動はスポーツマンシップに反するもので、多くの人から批判された。
That athlete's actions went against the spirit of sportsmanship and were criticized by many people.
都会の生活が忙しいのに反して、田舎ではゆっくりと時間が流れる。
In contrast to the busy city life, time flows slowly in the countryside.
政府は国民の意思に反して、その法案を通そうとしている。
The government is trying to pass the bill, going against the will of the people.
先月は売り上げが良かった。それに反して、今月は非常に悪い。
Sales were good last month. In contrast, this month has been extremely bad.