Translation guide
A guide to expressing the idea of 'conversely' in Japanese, covering contrast, reversal, and the opposite perspective.
To present a contrasting idea or the reverse of what was just said, often used in formal or written contexts.
The most common and versatile way to say 'conversely' or 'on the contrary'. Can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
I thought he would get angry, but conversely, he was laughing.
Literally 'oppositely', used to introduce a contrasting point. Slightly more formal than 逆に.
この薬は効く人もいれば、反対に副作用が出る人もいる。
While this medicine works for some people, conversely, others experience side effects.
Means 'on the other hand', often used to present a contrasting fact or situation. Common in writing.
都会は便利だが、一方で物価が高い。
Cities are convenient, but conversely, the cost of living is high.
A more explicit way to say 'conversely to that', emphasizing the reversal. Used in formal or written contexts.
前年は赤字だったが、それとは逆に今年は黒字だ。
Last year was in the red, but conversely, this year is in the black.
To indicate that as one thing increases, another decreases, or that two things are inversely related.
Means 'in inverse proportion to'. Used in technical or analytical contexts.
需要が増えると、逆比例して価格が下がる。
As demand increases, conversely, the price decreases.
Synonym of 逆比例して, also meaning 'in inverse proportion'. Common in mathematics and science.
気温と服装の厚さは反比例している。
Temperature and clothing thickness are inversely related.
To compare two different people, things, or ideas, highlighting their opposite characteristics.
A pattern for contrasting A and B directly. 'A is..., but B, conversely, is...'
兄は社交的だが、弟は逆に内向的だ。
The older brother is sociable, but the younger brother, conversely, is introverted.
Means 'contrary to A, B...'. Emphasizes the opposition.
予想とは逆に、試験は簡単だった。
Contrary to expectations, the exam was easy.
逆に is the most common and can be used in casual speech. 反対に is slightly more formal and emphasizes direct opposition. 一方で is often used to present a contrasting fact without implying a direct reversal, similar to 'on the other hand'.
彼は失敗したが、逆にそれが良い経験になった。
He failed, but conversely, it became a good experience.
彼は失敗したが、一方で多くのことを学んだ。
He failed, but on the other hand, he learned a lot.
English 'conversely' can sometimes be translated as 逆に, but in some contexts, a different structure is more natural. For example, when expressing a conditional reverse, Japanese often uses 〜ば逆に or 〜と逆に.
English 'conversely' can sometimes be translated as 逆に, but in some contexts, a different structure is more natural. For example, when expressing a conditional reverse, Japanese often uses 〜ば逆に or 〜と逆に.