N3Contrast and Comparison

V/A-い/A-な (な)/N (の) + わりに(は)

Q: Is "Using this pattern with specific numerical amounts (e.g. 100 yen)" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use "ni shite wa" instead". This pattern is not suitable for expressing a specific numerical amount, and "ni shite wa" is a more appropriate pattern to use in such cases.

Q: Is "Forgetting to use 'no' before nouns" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'no' before nouns". This pattern requires the use of 'no' before nouns to indicate the standard or level being referred to.

Q: Is "Confusing this pattern with 'ni shite wa'" correct?

No. The correct form is "Understand the difference in meaning". While both patterns are used to express a contrast or unexpected result, 'ni shite wa' focuses more on specific categories or situations, whereas this pattern focuses on the standard or level being referred to.

considering/despite

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "V/A-い/A-な (な)/N (の) + わりに(は)" is used to express a contrast or unexpected result given a standard or level. It connects a verb or adjective to a noun or na-adjective with 'no' and 'na' respectively, indicating that despite the standard, a different outcome or state occurs. This pattern is often used to highlight the unexpected or surprising nature of a situation.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Verb form	V + わりに(は)	食べる + わりに(は)
Na-adjective form	A-な (な) + わりに(は)	安い + わりに(は)
Noun form	N (の) + わりに(は)	値段 (の) + わりに(は)

Examples

Example Sentences

このバッグは、値段が安い ______ 丈夫で長く使えます。

kono baggu wa, kadai ga yasui ______ jyougo de nagaku tsukae masu.

This bag is surprisingly strong and can be used for a long time despite its low price.

このバッグは (This bag is) / 値段が安い (despite its low price) / 丈夫で長く使えます (surprisingly strong and can be used for a long time)

彼は ______ わりに、あまり漢字が書けない。

kare wa ______ wari ni, amari kanji ga kaku enai.

He is surprisingly unable to write Chinese characters despite being a student.

彼は (He is) / ______ わりに (despite being a student) / あまり漢字が書けない (surprisingly unable to write Chinese characters)

最近忙しい ______ 、彼女はよく旅行に出かけているね。

saikin isogashii ______ , kanojo wa yoku ryokou ni detai ne.

Despite being busy lately, she often goes on trips.

最近忙しい (despite being busy lately) / ______ (no translation) / 彼女はよく旅行に出かけている (she often goes on trips)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to express a contrast or unexpected result given a standard or level. It is often used in situations where the outcome or state is surprising or unexpected. The pattern can be used with both verbs and adjectives, and is typically used in formal or written Japanese.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using this pattern with specific numerical amounts (e.g. 100 yen)

Use "ni shite wa" instead

This pattern is not suitable for expressing a specific numerical amount, and "ni shite wa" is a more appropriate pattern to use in such cases.

Forgetting to use 'no' before nouns

Use 'no' before nouns

This pattern requires the use of 'no' before nouns to indicate the standard or level being referred to.

Confusing this pattern with 'ni shite wa'

Understand the difference in meaning

While both patterns are used to express a contrast or unexpected result, 'ni shite wa' focuses more on specific categories or situations, whereas this pattern focuses on the standard or level being referred to.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, be sure to pay attention to the context and the meaning of the sentence. This pattern is often used in formal or written Japanese, so be prepared to see it used in more complex sentences. Make sure to use the correct form of the verb or adjective, and don't forget to use 'no' before nouns.

In context