JLPT N1
にひきかえ
In contrast to
Structure
Noun にひきかえ
How it works
This expression is used to contrast two things by highlighting a significant difference between them, often involving a subjective evaluation (praise or criticism). Unlike the more neutral 'に反して' (contrary to), 'にひきかえ' strongly emphasizes the gap between a former situation/person and the current one.
Examples
働き者の兄にひきかえ、弟は遊んでばかりいる。
In contrast to his hardworking older brother, the younger brother does nothing but play.
昨年の不作にひきかえ、今年は豊作で農家の人たちは喜んでいる。
In contrast to last year's poor harvest, this year is a bumper crop and the farmers are happy.
前回の豪華なホテルにひきかえ、今回の宿は随分と質素だ。
In contrast to the luxurious hotel last time, this trip's accommodation is quite simple.
Common mistakes
Do not use this for simple factual differences that lack an emotional or evaluative tone; 'に対して' is safer for purely objective comparisons.
Tip
Think of this as a 'judgmental' contrast. It is frequently used when comparing siblings, performance over two different years, or drastic changes in quality.
More JLPT N1 grammar
See にひきかえ in real Japanese
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