代わりに
Instead of, In place of, In exchange for
Structure
［い］Adjective + 代わりに
［な］Adjective + な + 代わりに
Noun + の + 代わりに
Explanation
The noun 代わり, meaning 'substitute' or 'replacement', is used to express that (B) is done in place of, or in exchange for, (A). When followed by the case marking particle に, the phrase highlights what is being offered or done as compensation or as an alternative.
Because 代わり functions as a noun, it can be attached to any word in its attributive form (the form used to modify other nouns).
- 私が夕食を作る代わりに、あなたは皿を洗ってください。I'll make dinner, so in return, could you please do the dishes?
- このアパートは駅から遠い代わりに家賃が安い。This apartment is far from the station, but to make up for it, the rent is cheap.
- 日本語の勉強は難しい代わりに面白い。Studying Japanese is difficult, but in return, it's interesting.
- 今日は母の代わりに私が来ました。I came today on behalf of my mother.
The kanji 替わり ('to exchange') can sometimes be seen in place of 代わり ('to substitute'). For the purposes of this grammar point, however, the meaning remains effectively the same.
Fun Fact
When placed at the start of a sentence, 代わりに can be used to propose an alternative. It often carries a meaning similar to 'instead of that...' or 'as an alternative...'.
- 代わりにこれを渡してくれませんか。Instead, could you give this to them for me?
- 代わりに紅茶をいただけませんか。Instead of that, could I possibly have some tea?
Examples
砂糖の代わりにはちみつを入れてください。
Please add honey instead of sugar.
車で行くの代わりに、電車で行きましょう。
Let's go by train instead of going by car.
父の代わりに、母が会議に出席しました。
My mother attended the meeting in place of my father.
現金の代わりにクレジットカードで支払ってもいいですか。
May I pay with a credit card instead of cash?
今日は映画を見るの代わりに、家で本を読むことにした。
I decided to read a book at home today instead of watching a movie.
部長が出張中なので、代わりに私がご説明いたします。
The department manager is on a business trip, so I will explain in his place.
ビールの代わりにワインでもいい？
Is wine okay instead of beer?
紙の地図の代わりに、スマートフォンのアプリを使った。
I used a smartphone app instead of a paper map.
部屋を掃除するの代わりに、犬の散歩に行ってきて。
Go walk the dog instead of cleaning your room.
豚肉がなかったので、代わりに鶏肉で料理した。
I didn't have any pork, so I cooked with chicken instead.
エレベーターが故障しているので、代わりに階段を使いましょう。
The elevator is broken, so let's use the stairs instead.
僕がスピーチをするの代わりに、田中さんが話してくれることになった。
It's been decided that Tanaka-san will speak instead of me giving the speech.