Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Contrary" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "contrary", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
却って
かえって (kaette)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
裏腹
うらはら (urahara)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "contrary" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 却って and 裏腹.
In Japanese, 却って (かえって (kaette)) is typically associated with "on the contrary, rather, instead, all the more" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to indicate that the result or effect was the opposite of what was expected, or that it became worse or more significant than anticipated. Often expresses an unexpected or counterintuitive outcome..
On the other hand, 裏腹 (うらはら (urahara)) maps to "contrary; opposite; inconsistent; ambivalent" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a situation where something is the opposite of what is expected, or when two things are contradictory. Often used with 「〜と裏腹に」. 期待や言葉と実際の状況が異なる様子を表します。. A literal translation of "contrary" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "却って"
急いで作業をしたら、却ってミスが多くなってしまった。
When I rushed the work, I ended up making more mistakes instead.
Bilingual Context for "裏腹"
彼の言葉と行動は裏腹だ。
His words and actions are contradictory.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "急いで作業をしたら、 ＿＿＿ ミスが多くなってしまった。" (Meaning: "When I rushed the work, I ended up making more mistakes instead.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "却って" fits here because it means "on the contrary, rather, instead, all the more" in the context of: "When I rushed the work, I ended up making more mistakes instead.". "裏腹" represents "contrary; opposite; inconsistent; ambivalent".