〜にひきかえ

Meaning

Used to express a contrast or comparison between two different situations, qualities, or states.

～とは反対に ；～に対して「～に対して」Used when making a comparison from a neutral standpoint.

Formation

Examples

1. 兄にひきかえ、弟は全然勉強しないし、家の手伝いもしないし本当に困るよ。
   Compared to my older brother, my younger brother hardly studies, doesn't help around the house, and it's really frustrating.

2. スポーツ万能で頭もいい弟にひきかえ、僕は何をやってもダメだ。
   In contrast to my sports-talented and intelligent younger brother, I fail at everything I try.

3. 昔の子は外で体を動かすことが多かったのにひきかえ、今の子はスマホや携帯ゲームに夢中で全然外で遊ばなくなった。
   In the past, children used to exercise outside a lot, but in contrast, today's kids are obsessed with smartphones and handheld games and hardly play outside.

4. 去年にひきかえ、今年は台風や地震など自然災害が多いなあ。
   Compared to last year, this year has seen a lot more natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes.

5. 弟は背が高くてイケメンなのにひきかえ、何で俺はチビでブサイクなんだ。
   Even though my younger brother is tall and good-looking, why am I short and unattractive?

6. 去年のJLPTにひきかえ、今年のはとても難しかった。
   In contrast to last year's JLPT, this year's test was very difficult.

Summary

• 〜にひきかえ means "in contrast to 〜"
• Formation: 動詞 → 動詞 （普通形）+ のにひきかえ; イ形容詞 → イ形容詞 い + のにひきかえ; ナ形容詞 → ナ形容詞 たの；なの + のにひきかえ; 名詞 → 名詞 + にひきかえ
• This is an N1-level grammar pattern