N2Evaluation & State

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

Q: Is "Using the pattern with a verb in the polite form" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the plain form of the verb". The pattern requires the plain form of the verb, not the polite form.

Q: Is "Using the pattern with a noun in the polite form" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the plain form of the noun". The pattern requires the plain form of the noun, not the polite form.

Q: Is "Using the pattern with a verb or adjective in the -te form" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the plain form of the verb or adjective". The pattern requires the plain form of the verb or adjective, not the -te form.

Considering; for someone who...

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "V/Adj/N (plain) + わりに（は） *Adj-na + な / N + の" is used to express 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. This pattern is often used to highlight a contrast between what is expected and what actually is. For example, if someone is expected to be tired after a long day, but they seem energetic, you might say "疲れの ______ 性能がいい" (Their energy level is surprisingly high).

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Plain form of verb or adjective	V/Adj/N (plain) + わりに（は） *Adj-na + な / N + の	疲れの ______ 性能がいい
Plain form of noun	N + の + ______ + な	彼の ______ は、とても高い
Plain form of verb or adjective with -na suffix	V/Adj + な + の + ______	「忙しい」と言っている ______ は、よく遊びに行っているね

Examples

Example Sentences

このパソコンは、値段の ______ 性能がいい

kono pasokon wa, kadena no ______ seikou ga ii

This computer has surprisingly good performance considering its price

このパソコンは (This computer) + 値段の (considering its price) + 性能がいい (has surprisingly good performance)

彼は二十歳の ______ は、とても落ち着いている

kare wa, nijusai no ______ wa, totemo ochitsuite iru

He is surprisingly calm at twenty years old

彼は (He) + 二十歳の (at twenty years old) + ______ は (is surprisingly) + とても落ち着いている (calm)

「忙しい」と言っている ______ は、よく遊びに行っているね

「isogashii」といっている ______ wa, yoku asobi ni iku ne

The person who says they're busy is actually going out to play a lot

「忙しい」と言っている (who says they're busy) + ______ は (is actually) + よく遊びに行っている (going out to play a lot)

この料理は、作り方の ______ がすごい

kono ryouri wa, tsukurikata no ______ ga sugoi

This dish has surprisingly good cooking method

この料理は (This dish) + 作り方の (considering its cooking method) + ______ がすごい (has surprisingly good)

彼は、年齢の ______ がとても高い

kare wa, nenrei no ______ ga totemo takai

He is surprisingly old considering his age

彼は (He) + 年齢の (considering his age) + ______ がとても高い (is surprisingly old)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to express surprise or unexpectedness at a result or state. It is often used in casual conversation to highlight a contrast between what is expected and what actually is. Note that the pattern can be used with both positive and negative adjectives.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using the pattern with a verb in the polite form

Use the plain form of the verb

The pattern requires the plain form of the verb, not the polite form.

Using the pattern with a noun in the polite form

Use the plain form of the noun

The pattern requires the plain form of the noun, not the polite form.

Using the pattern with a verb or adjective in the -te form

Use the plain form of the verb or adjective

The pattern requires the plain form of the verb or adjective, not the -te form.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct form of the verb or adjective. Also, pay attention to the context and make sure that the sentence is grammatically correct.

In context