instead of, in exchange for

Beginner

15-20 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates substitution or compensation.

[Verb dictionary/た form/Noun + の] + かわりに

電車のかわりに、バスで行く。

Densha no kawari ni, basu de iku.

I will go by bus instead of train.

手伝ってくれたかわりに、食事をご馳走する。

Tetsudatte kureta kawari ni, shokuji wo gochisou suru.

In exchange for helping me, I will treat you to a meal.

Can mean replacement or exchange.

～どころか

far from, not only... but

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

Very useful for everyday conversation.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

Study with our comprehensive grammar guides and practice materials.