IntermediateJLPT N2 Grammar

逆に

On the contrary; conversely; instead

Romaji: ni

Meaning & usage

Contrary to one's expectation; contrary to one's intention; conversely | An adverb to introduce an event which takes place contrary to one's expectation/intention, or an action or event which is converse to that stated in the preceding sentence or clause.

Notes

The で in this sentence is being used to join the two clauses, sort of like "and."

Example sentences 12

  1. いい 演技えんぎをする為には緊張しすぎてはいけない。しかし、逆にリラックスしすぎてもいい演技は出来ない。

    In order to perform well, you can't be too tense. But, conversely, if you are too relaxed, you can't perform well, either.

  2. この子は優しくすると付け上がる。逆に厳しくするとすぐ泣く。

    If I try to be gentle to the boy, he takes advantage of my gentleness. Conversely, if I try to be strict, he cries readily.

  3. しばらく練習をしなかったら、逆に成績が伸びた。

    I didn't practice for some time; then, contrary to expectations, my performance improved.

  4. その試験に落ちるだろうと思っていたのに、逆に一番で通ってしまった。

    I was expecting to fail the exam, but, contrary to my expectation, I passed it in first place.

  5. ガールフレンドを喜ばせようとしたのに、逆に怒らせてしまった。

    I tried to please my girlfriend, but, contrary to my intention, I made her angry.

  6. 一生懸命仕事をしたのに、逆に仲間に きらわれてしまった。

    I worked very hard, but, contrary to expectations, my peers hated me.

  7. 人に親切にすることは一般にいいことだと考えられている。しかし、親切にすることが、逆に人を傷つけることもある。

    In general, being kind to people is considered to be a good thing. However, contrary to one's intention, being kind sometimes hurts people.

  8. 会話を 強調きょうちょうすると文法が 不正確ふせいかくになる。逆に文法を強調すると話せなくなる。

    If we emphasize conversation, their grammar becomes inaccurate. Conversely, if we emphasize grammar, they become unable to speak.

  9. 叱られると思ったのに、逆にほめられた。

    I expected to be scolded but, contrary to my expectation, I was praised.

  10. 寝すぎると、元気にならないで、逆に疲れてしまう。

    If you sleep too much, you won't feel well; instead, you'll feel tired.

  11. 文句を言ってやろうと思っていたら、逆に文句を言われてしまった。

    I was thinking of complaining; then, contrary to my intention, I had to listen to complaints (literally: complaints were said (to me)).

  12. 薬を飲んだら、逆に熱が出た。

    Contrary to expectations, when I took medicine, I got a fever.