Point 1L4_G1
1. ～に対して (In contrast to / As opposed to)
Sentence Pattern
Noun (N) + に対して (にたいして)
Used to contrast or compare two subjects, qualities, or situations. The two sides differ clearly, but they do not have to be completely opposite. With a clause, ～のに対して is common.
Example Sentences (3)
この会社は新入社員の給料が高いのに対して、ベテラン社員の給料はあまり上がらない。
In this company, in contrast to the high salaries of new employees, the salaries of veteran employees don't increase much.
兄が寡黙なのに対して、弟は誰にでも話しかけるタイプだ。
In contrast to my taciturn older brother, my younger brother is the type to talk to anyone.
外遊びが好きな長男に対して、次男は家の中で遊ぶことが好きだ。
As opposed to the eldest son who likes playing outside, the second son prefers playing indoors.
Point 2L4_G2
2. ～反面 (On the other hand / On the flip side)
Sentence Pattern
V (普通形)
Aい
Aな (keep な / である)
N の / である
+ 反面 (はんめん)
Aい
Aな (keep な / である)
N の / である
+ 反面 (はんめん)
Expresses two opposing sides of the same subject or issue. Translated as "On the other hand...", "However...", "At the same time...".
Example Sentences (3)
AI技術は生活を便利にする反面、人間の仕事が奪われる可能性もある。
AI technology makes life convenient, but on the flip side, there is also the possibility that human jobs will be taken away.
彼は真面目な反面、少し融通がきかないところがある。
He is serious, but on the other hand, he can be a bit inflexible.
仕事を辞めて自由な時間が増えた反面、緊張感もなくなってしまった。
I quit my job and gained more free time, but at the same time, I lost my sense of tension.
Point 3L4_G3
3. ～一方で (On the other hand / Meanwhile)
Sentence Pattern
V / A / N (as when modifying N) + 一方【で】(いっぽうで)
Distinction from 反面:
- 反面: Used for contrasting aspects (good/bad) of the SAME subject.
- 一方: May or may not be contrasting. Used to compare two events, or two aspects of two different subjects.
- 反面: Used for contrasting aspects (good/bad) of the SAME subject.
- 一方: May or may not be contrasting. Used to compare two events, or two aspects of two different subjects.
Example Sentences (4)
この商品は若い女性に人気がある一方で、年配の層にはあまり売れていない。
While this product is popular among young women, on the other hand, it does not sell well among older age groups.
彼女はテキパキと仕事をこなす一方で、プライベートな時間も大切にしている。
She gets her work done efficiently while also cherishing her private time.
子供が生まれて嬉しかった一方で、重い責任も感じた。
I was happy when my child was born, but on the other hand, I also felt a heavy responsibility.
世の中には人と話すことが好きな人がいる一方、それが苦手な人も多い。
In this world, there are people who like talking to others, while on the other hand, there are many people who are not good at it.
Point 4L4_G4
4. ～というより (Rather than... it is more...)
Sentence Pattern
Noun (N)
Aな (Drop な)
Aい (Usually drop い)
V (Plain form)
+ というより / というか
Aな (Drop な)
Aい (Usually drop い)
V (Plain form)
+ というより / というか
Indicates that "The expression following is more accurate or appropriate than the expression preceding it".
Example Sentences (2)
彼は優しいというより、むしろ気が弱いだけだ。
Rather than calling him kind, it's more accurate to say he's just timid.
あの建物は博物館というより、まるで美術館のようだ。
Rather than a museum, that building looks more like an art gallery.
Point 5L4_G5
5. ～かわりに (Instead of / On behalf of / In return for)
Sentence Pattern
Meaning
Combination
Representation acting on behalf of someone
N にかわって / N にかわり
N のかわりに[に]
N のかわりに[に]
Substitute (temporary)
N のかわりに[に]
Contrast (one side... the other side...)
V/A/Na/N + かわりに[に]
Compensation (instead of doing as usual...)
V かわりに[に]
This structure has multiple nuances depending on the context. Refer to the table below.
Example Sentences (4)
彼のパソコンは古いかわりに、操作がシンプルで使いやすい。
His computer is old, but on the other hand, it is simple and easy to use. (Contrasting elements)
忙しい父のかわりに、私が祖母の病院へ付き添った。
On behalf of my busy father, I accompanied my grandmother to the hospital. (Representation)
私が資料を翻訳するかわりに、同僚がプレゼンの準備をしてくれた。
I translated the documents, and in return, my colleague prepared the presentation. (Compensation)
今度の正月はいつものようにふるさとに帰るかわりに、両親と海外旅行をしたい。
This New Year's, instead of going back to my hometown like usual, I want to travel overseas with my parents. (Alternative action)
