Noun にひきかえ Noun は JLPT N1 Very formal / literary

~ni hikikae ~ wa

Represents 'in contrast to', 'as opposed to'.

Formal, literary "in contrast to" - a deliberate, pointed contrast; written register.

Formation

Noun 1 + にひきかえ + Noun 2 + は

Explanation

The grammar point Noun にひきかえ Noun は is used in Japanese to express contrast or opposition between two nouns. It translates to 'as opposed to' or 'in contrast to' in English. The first noun represents what is being contrasted against and the second noun represents the main subject.

Example sentences

彼の親切さにひきかえ、彼女は無感情だ。

In contrast to his kindness, she is emotionless.

Kare no shinsetsusa ni hikikae, kanojo wa mukanjou da.
夏にひきかえ、冬は雪で寒い。

As opposed to summer, winter is cold with snow.

Natsu ni hikikae, fuyu wa yuki de samui.
日本の駅にひきかえ、アメリカの駅は広い。

As opposed to Japanese stations, American stations are wide.

Nihon no eki ni hikikae, Amerika no eki wa hiroi.
昔にひきかえ、現代はテクノロジーが進歩した。

As opposed to the old days, modern times have advanced technology.

Mukashi ni hikikae, gendai wa tekunorojii ga shinpo shita.

Contrast (Toward / In Contrast To)

～に対して JLPT N3