かえって (kaette)

Meaning & usage

かえって shows that the result turns out opposite to what was expected or intended, often translated as on the contrary or all the more. It is an adverb used within a clause describing that unexpected outcome, where the predicate may be a verb, an i-adjective or na-adjective, or a noun followed by だ. It often follows a clause of reason or condition marked with から, ために, or conditional と, and it is neutral for speech and writing.

Example sentences 5

1. 彼かれは転地てんちしたためにかえっていっそう悪わるくなった。

   He is so much the worse for a change of air.

2. 彼には欠点があるからかえって好きだ。

   I love him all the more for his faults.

3. 事故は減らずにかえって多くなっている。

   Instead of fewer accidents there are more.

4. 高望みをするとかえって損をする。

   You may go farther and fare worse.

5. 彼は恥ずかしがりやだから、かえって好きです。

   I like him all the better for his shyness.