Meaning
わりに(は) expresses that something is disproportionate or contrary to what would be expected based on the first clause. It creates a contrast between an apparent cause or condition and an unexpected result. The pattern suggests disappointment or surprise that the outcome doesn't match the effort, time, or quality invested. Use with caution in formal or hierarchical situations.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词普通形 | わりに(は) |
| い形容词 | わりに(は) |
| な形容词な | わりに(は) |
| 名词の | わりに(は) |
Examples
-
マイクさんは日本に長く住んだわりに日本語が少ししか喋れない。
Despite having lived in Japan for a long time, Mike can only speak a little Japanese. -
渡辺さんは、土日も休まず忙しく働いているわりに売上が伸びない。要するに仕事の効率がよくないということだ。
Watanabe works hard without taking weekends off, yet sales are not increasing. In other words, his work efficiency is poor. -
交通が不便なせいか、あの神社は有名なわりに混雑していません。
Perhaps due to inconvenient transportation, that shrine is famous but not crowded. -
この帽子は値段の割に品質が良い。
Considering the price, this hat has surprisingly good quality.
Summary
- Marks contrast between expectation and disappointing/unexpected reality
- Formed with: verb plain form / i-adjective / na-adjective + な / noun + の + わりに(は)
- Implies the outcome fails to match the apparent cause; avoid with superiors or elders in formal contexts