Meaning & Usage
✨ Basic Meaning
“On the contrary,” “conversely,” “instead,” “in reverse,” or “on the other hand.”
🎯 Primary Function
Used to introduce a statement, result, or situation that is contrary to or the opposite of what was expected, previously stated, or generally believed.
📋 Grammar Structure
逆に (gyaku ni) functions as an adverb. It typically precedes the verb, adjective, or clause it modifies, often appearing at the beginning of a sentence or clause to introduce the contrasting element. It is usually followed by a comma, especially when it starts a sentence.
🎭 Usage Contexts
Formal Situations
Can be used in formal writing and speech to clearly present a counter-argument or an opposing fact.
Informal Situations
Commonly used in informal conversation to express surprise at an unexpected outcome or to state the opposite of what someone else said.
Written Language
Frequently appears in essays, articles, and reports to introduce contrasting points or unexpected findings.
Spoken Language
Used widely in daily conversation, debates, and discussions to express opposition or surprise.
💡 Common Applications
Introducing an unexpected or opposite result.
Used when the outcome or effect is the opposite of what logic or initial conditions would suggest.
Example: たくさん勉強したのに、テストの成績は逆に悪くなってしまった。 (Takusan benkyou shita noni, tesuto no seiseki wa gyaku ni waruku natte shimatta. – Even though I studied a lot, my test results, on the contrary, got worse.)
Presenting a contrasting idea or fact.
Used to highlight a difference or opposition between two things or situations.
Example: この薬は痛みを和らげるはずなのに、逆に痛みがひどくなった気がする。 (Kono kusuri wa itami o yawarageru hazu nanoni, gyaku ni itami ga hidoku natta ki ga suru. – This medicine is supposed to relieve pain, but instead, I feel like the pain got worse.)
Expressing a counter-opinion or turning the tables.
Used in discussions or arguments to present a point that contradicts a previous statement.
Example: 「彼は仕事が遅い」と言う人もいるが、私は逆に慎重で丁寧だと思う。(「Kare wa shigoto ga osoi」to iu hito mo iru ga, watashi wa gyaku ni shinchou de teinei da to omou. – Some people say he is slow at work, but conversely, I think he is careful and thorough.)
Frequency
Fairly common in advanced Japanese (JLPT N2 level) when discussing contrasting ideas or unexpected results.
Difficulty
JLPT N2
Example Sentences
静かにすれば集中できると思ったが、逆にうるさくて何も聞こえない。
I thought I could concentrate if it was quiet, but on the contrary, it’s noisy and I can’t hear anything.
この新しいシステムは作業を効率化するはずだったのに、逆に手間が増えてしまった。
This new system was supposed to streamline the work, but instead, it actually increased the effort.
叱られるかと思ったら、先生は逆に褒めてくれた。
I expected to be scolded, but instead, the teacher praised me.
Notes & Nuances
📌 Important Points
Introduces an unexpected or opposite outcome/situation.
「逆に」 is best used when the subsequent statement is the opposite of what would naturally be expected from the preceding context.
Example: 運動不足を解消しようとしたら、逆に怪我をしてしまった。(Undou busoku o kaishou shiyou to shitara, gyaku ni kega o shite shimatta. – I tried to fix my lack of exercise, but instead, I got injured.)
Often implies a negative or problematic turn of events.
While it can simply mean “the opposite,” 「逆に」 frequently introduces a result that is less desirable or problematic than the initial situation or intention.
Example: 節約しようとしたのに、逆に無駄遣いしてしまった。(Setsuyaku shiyou to shitara, gyaku ni mudazukai shite shimatta. – I tried to save money, but on the contrary, I ended up wasting it.)
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Using 「逆に」 for a simple contrast without an element of unexpectedness or opposition.
✅ Use expressions like 「一方」(ippou) or 「それに対して」(sore ni taishite) for simple comparisons or contrasts between two different things without the nuance of opposition or unexpectedness.
「逆に」 emphasizes a situation or result that is the *reverse* or *opposite* of what was anticipated or implied by the context, not just a different point of view.
❌ undefined
✅ undefined
undefined
🏛️ Cultural Context
Politeness Level: Neutral. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts depending on the overall sentence structure and vocabulary.
Social Situations: Used in various situations from daily conversation to business meetings and academic discussions when highlighting a contrast or unexpected outcome.
Regional Variations: Generally consistent across standard Japanese.
🔍 Subtle Differences
逆に vs 反対に (hantai ni)
While similar in meaning (“on the contrary,” “on the other hand”), 「反対に」 can sometimes be a slightly more formal or direct way to state an opposing view or fact, whereas 「逆に」 often carries a stronger nuance of an unexpected or undesirable opposite outcome.
When to use: Use 「逆に」 when emphasizing an unexpected, unintended, or opposite *result* or *effect*. Use 「反対に」 for presenting a clear counterpoint or a difference between two items/ideas.
逆に vs むしろ (mushiro)
「むしろ」 means “rather” or “instead” and is used to suggest that something is more true or more appropriate than what was just mentioned. It often replaces or corrects a previous idea. 「逆に」 specifically focuses on the *opposite* or *reverse* effect/situation.
When to use: Use 「逆に」 when the situation is the *opposite* of expected. Use 「むしろ」 when something is *more* the case than what was implied or to offer a better alternative.
undefined
undefined
When to use: undefined
📝 Conjugation Notes
「逆に」 is an adverbial form and does not conjugate.
🔊 Pronunciation Tips
Pronounced “gyaku ni”. The きゅ (kyu) sound is a single mora. Stress is relatively flat.
🧠 Memory Tips
Think of the kanji 「逆」(gyaku) meaning “reverse” or “opposite.” 「逆に」 is literally “in the reverse way” or “in the opposite direction/manner.”
Practice Exercises
疲れている時に甘いものを食べたら、元気になると思ったのに、__眠くなってしまった。
だから
しかも
逆に
やはり
彼は成功を願っていたが、努力が足りず、結果は__失敗に終わった。
それでも
一方
まるで
逆に
4 Views
I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.