かわりに (代わりに)
Frequent Usages
- 私が行けないかわりに、友達が行く
- コーヒーのかわりに紅茶を飲んだ
- 彼はお金を借りるかわりに、手伝いを頼まれた
- 出かけるかわりに、家で映画を見る
- 社長のかわりに、部長が会議に出席した
Meaning and Usage
The expression "〜かわりに" (代わりに) is used to indicate substitution or replacement. It means "instead of," "in place of," or "in exchange for." This phrase is often used to show that one action, item, or person is taking the place of another, or to indicate that an exchange has been made between two things.
In some contexts, "かわりに" can also suggest a trade-off, with a positive aspect balanced by a negative one, similar to saying "but on the other hand."
Common Meanings
- Substitution or Replacement: Used to show that one thing takes the place of another.
- Exchange or Compensation: Indicates that something is given or received in return.
- Trade-off: Used to highlight both a positive and a negative aspect of a situation.
Form
- Verb (辞書形) + かわりに
Used to express that one action is done instead of another.
行くかわりに、家で勉強する
いくかわりに、いえでべんきょうする
"Instead of going out, I’ll study at home." - Noun + の + かわりに
Used to indicate substitution or exchange of a noun with another noun.
コーヒーのかわりにお茶を飲む
コーヒーのかわりにおちゃをのむ
"I’ll drink tea instead of coffee." - Adjective + かわりに
Used to express trade-offs between qualities.
便利なかわりに、高い
べんりなかわりに、たかい
"It’s convenient, but on the other hand, it’s expensive."
When to Use It
Substitution or Replacement
Use "かわりに" to show that one thing, person, or action is taking the place of another. This usage is common when indicating an alternative or substitute.
- To express a substitute for a person who is unavailable:
部長のかわりに、私が会議に出ます
ぶちょうのかわりに、わたしがかいぎにでます
"I’ll attend the meeting instead of the department head."
Exchange or Compensation
Use "かわりに" when one thing is given in return for something else, often indicating an exchange or compensation. This is common when someone agrees to do something in return for a benefit or service.
- To describe a service exchange:
料理を作るかわりに、部屋を掃除してほしい
りょうりをつくるかわりに、へやをそうじしてほしい
"In exchange for cooking, I’d like you to clean the room."
Trade-off
"かわりに" can also highlight a trade-off, where a positive aspect is balanced by a negative one. This use is helpful for showing contrasting qualities within the same situation.
- To show a benefit paired with a downside:
この車は性能がいいかわりに、値段が高い
このくるまはせいのうがいいかわりに、ねだんがたかい
"This car performs well, but on the other hand, it’s expensive."
Examples for Each Form
- Verb (辞書形) + かわりに
- 外食するかわりに、家で料理を作った
がいしょくするかわりに、いえでりょうりをつくった
"Instead of eating out, I cooked at home." - 旅行に行くかわりに、貯金をすることにした
りょこうにいくかわりに、ちょきんをすることにした
"Instead of going on a trip, I decided to save money."
- Noun + の + かわりに
- 牛乳のかわりに豆乳を使う
ぎゅうにゅうのかわりにとうにゅうをつかう
"Use soy milk instead of regular milk." - 甘いお菓子のかわりに、果物を食べる
あまいおかしのかわりに、くだものをたべる
"Eat fruit instead of sweet snacks."
- Adjective + かわりに
- 簡単なかわりに、効果が少ない
かんたんなかわりに、こうかがすくない
"It’s simple, but on the other hand, it’s not very effective." - この部屋は広いかわりに、駅から遠い
このへやはひろいかわりに、えきからとおい
"This room is spacious, but on the other hand, it’s far from the station."
Improper Usage
Avoid using "かわりに" when the intention is not to replace, compensate, or show a trade-off, as it may sound confusing. This phrase is best used when an actual exchange, replacement, or balance between two aspects is being discussed.
Key Points to Remember
- Substitution or Replacement: Use "かわりに" to show that one thing is taking the place of another.
- Exchange or Compensation: Use "かわりに" to indicate that one action or item is received or done in return for something else.
- Trade-off: Use "かわりに" to show a contrast between positive and negative aspects of a single situation.
Formality
"かわりに" is neutral in formality, suitable for both spoken and written Japanese. It is commonly used in everyday conversations as well as in more formal contexts.
Example Sentences
- 父のかわりに私が出席しました
ちちのかわりにわたしがしゅっせきしました
"I attended in place of my father." - コーヒーのかわりに紅茶をください
コーヒーのかわりにこうちゃをください
"Please give me tea instead of coffee." - この店はおいしいかわりに、値段が高い
このみせはおいしいかわりに、ねだんがたかい
"This restaurant is delicious, but on the other hand, it’s expensive." - 車で行くかわりに、電車で行こう
くるまでいくかわりに、でんしゃでいこう
"Instead of going by car, let’s take the train." - お金を貸すかわりに、少し手伝ってもらいたい
おかねをかすかわりに、すこしてつだってもらいたい
"In exchange for lending you money, I’d like some help."
