〜にひきかえ
in contrast to ~
Put the expectation and the surprising or different result together.
Remember it
Turn the sentence in a new direction with 〜にひきかえ.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜にひきかえ」 means "in contrast to ~". Structure: Noun + にひきかえ. This is a JLPT N1 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it to contrast facts, expectations, people, choices, or results.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1昨年にひきかえ、今年の採決は順調だ。
さくねん に ひきかえ、ことし の さいけつ は じゅんちょう だ。
sakunen ni hikikae, kotoshi no saiketsu wa junchou da.
In contrast to last year, this year's vote is going smoothly.
Shopping & services
Example 2昨年にひきかえ、今年の買収は順調だ。
さくねん に ひきかえ、ことし の ばいしゅう は じゅんちょう だ。
sakunen ni hikikae, kotoshi no baishuu wa junchou da.
In contrast to last year, this year's acquisition is going smoothly.
Everyday life
Example 3昨年にひきかえ、今年の志願は順調だ。
さくねん に ひきかえ、ことし の しがん は じゅんちょう だ。
sakunen ni hikikae, kotoshi no shigan wa junchou da.
In contrast to last year, this year's volunteering is going smoothly.
Everyday life
Example 4昨年にひきかえ、今年の転載は順調だ。
さくねん に ひきかえ、ことし の てんさい は じゅんちょう だ。
sakunen ni hikikae, kotoshi no tensai wa junchou da.
In contrast to last year, this year's reprinting is going smoothly.
Everyday life
Example 5昨年にひきかえ、今年の滞納は順調だ。
さくねん に ひきかえ、ことし の たいのう は じゅんちょう だ。
sakunen ni hikikae, kotoshi no tainou wa junchou da.
In contrast to last year, this year's payment arrears is going smoothly.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
In contrast to last year, this year's vote is going smoothly.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜にひきかえ.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.