V/Adj/N (plain) + わりに（は） *Adj-na + な / N + の

Expresses that a result or state is unexpected given the general standard mentioned. It implies a sense of surprise at the gap between expectation and reality.

Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V/Adj/N (plain) + わりに（は） *Adj-na + な / N + の used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.

1. 1

   このパソコンは、値段の わりに 性能がいい。

   Pattern used: わりに

   Uses 'わりに' with '値段' (a general standard) to show that the performance exceeds expectations for that price range.

2. 2

   彼は二十歳の わりに は、とても落ち着いている。

   Pattern used: わりに

   'わりに' highlights the contrast between his young age and his surprisingly mature behavior.

3. 3

   「忙しい」と言っている わりに は、よく遊びに行っているね。

   Pattern used: わりに

   'わりに' is used to point out the inconsistency between someone's claim of being busy and their actual behavior.

• ni_shite_wa
• kuse_ni
• dake_ni