逆に
On the contrary
Structure
Explanation
The grammar expression 逆に is used to show an outcome that is the opposite of what one might expect or what was just mentioned. It is constructed from the noun 逆, meaning 'reverse' or 'opposite', along with に. Because it includes に, this expression functions as an adverb and is typically placed between two clauses to mean 'contrary to (A), (B) occurred', or 'conversely, (B) happened instead'.
- 薬を飲んだらすぐに良くなると思ったが、逆に気分が悪くなった。I thought I would feel better right after taking the medicine, but on the contrary, I ended up feeling worse.
- 彼の仕事を手伝ったら早く終わるかと思ったが、逆に時間がかかってしまった。I thought if I helped him with his work it would finish faster, but conversely, it ended up taking even more time.
- 部屋が暑かったのでエアコンをつけたら、逆に寒くなりすぎた。I turned on the air conditioner because the room was hot, but on the contrary, it ended up becoming too cold.
In contemporary Japanese, 逆に can also appear at the start of a sentence. This usage often serves to turn a question back at the speaker, or to express indifference about a choice, much like a casual version of 別に would be used when asked about personal preferences.
- 逆に、あなたは甘いものが好きなんですか？I should be asking you, do you like sweets?
- 逆に、公園に行くのはどう？I don't have a strong preference, so how about the park?
Examples
休んだら元気になるかと思ったが、逆に疲れがたまってしまった。
I thought I would feel better if I rested, but on the contrary, I just ended up feeling more tired.
彼女のためを思ってアドバイスしたのに、逆に怒らせてしまった。
I gave her advice thinking it was for her own good, but on the contrary, I just made her angry.
近道をしたら、逆に道に迷って時間がかかった。
I took a shortcut, but on the contrary, I got lost and it took even longer.
パソコンの調子が悪かったので再起動したら、逆に全く動かなくなった。
My computer was acting up so I restarted it, but on the contrary, it completely stopped working.
彼は怖そうに見えるが、逆にとても優しい人だ。
He looks scary, but on the contrary, he is a very kind person.
簡単な問題だと油断していたら、逆に間違えてしまった。
I let my guard down thinking it was an easy question, but on the contrary, I ended up getting it wrong.
喧嘩をしたら、逆にお互いの気持ちが分かって仲良くなった。
After we had a fight, on the contrary, we understood each other's feelings better and became closer.
泣いている赤ちゃんをあやそうとしたら、逆にもっと大声で泣き出した。
I tried to soothe the crying baby, but on the contrary, he started crying even louder.
力を抜いて描いたら、逆にいい絵が描けた。
I tried drawing in a more relaxed way, and on the contrary, I was able to create a good picture.
健康のために野菜ジュースだけを飲んでいたら、逆に体調を崩した。
I was only drinking vegetable juice for my health, but on the contrary, my physical condition got worse.
仕事を速く終わらせようと焦ったら、逆にミスが増えて時間がかかった。
I rushed to finish my work quickly, but on the contrary, I made more mistakes and it took longer.
静かにしてほしくて注意したら、逆にうるさくなった。
I asked them to be quiet, but on the contrary, they just got louder.