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〜にひきかえ

in (stark) contrast to

Noun / Plain form + の + にひきかえ

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にひきかえ draws a sharp contrast between two things, usually with a clear judgement that one is better: 兄にひきかえ、弟は勉強が嫌いだ, "unlike his older brother, the younger one hates studying".

It compares two things of the same kind (siblings, bosses, this year and last year, the past and the present) and implies approval of one and disapproval of the other.

That evaluative tone is the difference from に比べて (N3) and に対して (N3), which are neutral comparisons. After a clause, add の: 姉が社交的なのにひきかえ.

It's written and a little old-fashioned. The verb 引き換える means "to exchange".

Examples

  • 兄あににひきかえ、弟おとうとは勉強べんきょうが嫌きらいだ。

    Unlike his older brother, the younger one hates studying.

  • 去年きょねんの猛暑もうしょにひきかえ、今年ことしは涼すずしい。

    In contrast to last year's heatwave, this year is cool.

  • 前まえの上司じょうしにひきかえ、今いまの上司じょうしはとても優やさしい。

    Unlike my old boss, my current one is very kind.

  • 姉あねが社交的しゃこうてきなのにひきかえ、妹いもうとは人見知ひとみしりだ。

    Whereas the older sister is outgoing, the younger one is shy.

  • 活気かっきのあった昔むかしにひきかえ、今いまの商店街しょうてんがいは寂さびしい。

    Compared with how lively it used to be, the shopping street is desolate now.

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