Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Core meaning
〜かわりに means “instead of,” “in place of,” or “in exchange for.” The sentence often shows substitution: A is not chosen or not possible, so B is done instead. It can also show a trade-off between good and bad points.
Target signal
車で行くかわりに、電車で行こう。
Let's go by train instead of by car.
One option is substituted with another.
Vocabulary notes
- こう
- like this; this way
- 行く
- to go
- 電車
- train
Compare in context
この部屋は狭いかわりに、家賃が安い。
This room is small, but in exchange the rent is cheap.
The lower rent is the trade-off for a smaller room.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- 安い
- cheap; inexpensive
- 家賃
- rent
Section 2 of 3
Common uses
A practical way to remember 〜かわりに is to ask: what is being given up, replaced, or balanced? In some sentences it is a direct substitution. In others it is more like a trade-off between two qualities.
Target signal
今日は私が料理するかわりに、弟が皿を洗う。
I will cook today, and in exchange my younger brother will wash the dishes.
One person's action is exchanged for another person's action.
Vocabulary notes
- 料理する
- to cook
- する
- to do
- 今日
- today
Preview
手書きするかわりに、パソコンで入力した。
I typed it on a computer instead of writing it by hand.
The computer is used in place of handwriting.
Vocabulary notes
- パソコン
- personal computer
- 手書き
- handwritten
- した
- did
Section 3 of 3
Reading notes
Writers use 〜かわりに when comparing options, explaining policy, or describing compromise. It is especially useful in reviews and decision-making passages because it shows what was exchanged for what.
Target signal
便利なかわりに、費用がかなりかかる。
It is convenient, but it costs quite a lot.
The second clause presents the cost or drawback that balances the convenience.
Vocabulary notes
- かかる
- to hang over; to cover
- かなり
- fairly; quite
- かな
- I wonder; maybe
Preview
平日は出張が多いかわりに、週末は家族と過ごすようにしている。
Because weekdays involve many business trips, he makes a point of spending weekends with the family.
The sentence shows a compensating balance across weekdays and weekends.
Vocabulary notes
- ている
- to be doing; to be in a resulting state
- ように
- so that ...; in order to ...
- ように
- so that; in order to