〜代わりに
kawari ni
By Nihongo PathUpdated
This form is also taught at JLPT N3, where it carries a different sense or register.
Meaning
instead of; in exchange for; while (compensating)
〜代わりに has three related meanings: (1) substitution, "instead of / in place of" (I attend instead of the manager); (2) exchange, "in return for" (help me and I'll buy lunch); (3) compensation or contrast, "while… on the other hand" (spacious, but far from the station).
Both registers. Nouns take の (部長の代わりに); verbs and adjectives attach in plain form. The formal substitution-only form is 〜に代わって (社長に代わって挨拶する). In the contrast use, the two halves balance a plus against a minus.
Formation
V = verb, N = noun, A = adjective.
Vる/Vた + 代わりに / Aい + 代わりに / Aな + な + 代わりに / N + の + 代わりに
Visual diagram
| Aspect | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Substitution | 部長の代わりに出席する | in place of the manager |
| Exchange | 手伝う代わりにおごって | in return for helping |
| Compensation | 広い代わりに駅から遠い | spacious, but far |
Natural examples
部長の代わりに、私が会議に出席します。
ぶちょうのかわりに、わたしがかいぎにしゅっせきします。
I will attend the meeting in place of the manager.
Substitution with N + の.
手伝ってあげる代わりに、昼ご飯をおごってよ。
てつだってあげるかわりに、ひるごはんをおごってよ。
In exchange for helping you, buy me lunch.
Exchange with Vる.
この部屋は広い代わりに、駅から遠い。
このへやはひろいかわりに、えきからとおい。
This room is spacious, but on the other hand it's far from the station.
Contrast with い-adjective.
今日は車の代わりに自転車で通勤した。
きょうはくるまのかわりにじてんしゃでつうきんした。
Today I commuted by bicycle instead of by car.
Substitution of a means.
この仕事は給料が高い代わりに、責任も重い。
このしごとはきゅうりょうがたかいかわりに、せきにんもおもい。
This job pays well, but in return the responsibility is heavy.
Compensation: a plus balanced by a minus.
Similar grammar and the difference
〜に代わって
Substitution only, formal: 社長に代わって. Cannot express exchange or contrast.
Contrast between two sides of one thing, without the idea of exchange. Compare side by side
〜かわりに (verb かわる)
As a full verb, 代わる means "to replace"; the pattern is the adverbial に form.
Common mistakes
- ✗
- 部長代わりに、私が出席します。
- ✓
- 部長の代わりに、私が出席します。
- Why
- Nouns need の.
- ✗
- この部屋は広い代わりに、明るい。
- ✓
- この部屋は広い上に、明るい。
- Why
- The compensation use balances a plus with a minus; two pluses take 上に.
- ✗
- 手伝ってあげる代わりに、ありがとう。
- ✓
- 手伝ってあげる代わりに、昼ご飯をおごってよ。
- Why
- The exchange use needs a concrete counter-action.
Sentence-final use: 〜の代わりだ ("serves as a substitute for"). Exchange use often has a demand or promise in the second clause. The compensation use can also go minus → plus: 給料は安い代わりに、休みが多い.
JLPT N2 tips
On the exam
- Identify the use: two people/things swapped → substitution; deal-like second clause → exchange; plus vs minus → compensation.
- Distractors: 反面, 一方で, 上に. If both halves have the same polarity, it is 上に, not 代わりに.
- に代わって as an option is correct only for substitution with a formal tone.
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜代わりに mean?
instead of; in exchange for; while (compensating). 〜代わりに has three related meanings: (1) substitution, "instead of / in place of" (I attend instead of the manager); (2) exchange, "in return for" (help me and I'll buy lunch); (3) compensation or contrast, "while… on the other hand" (spacious, but far from the station).
How do you form 〜代わりに?
Vる/Vた + 代わりに / Aい + 代わりに / Aな + な + 代わりに / N + の + 代わりに. V = verb, N = noun, A = adjective.
When is 〜代わりに used?
Both registers. Nouns take の (部長の代わりに); verbs and adjectives attach in plain form. The formal substitution-only form is 〜に代わって (社長に代わって挨拶する). In the contrast use, the two halves balance a plus against a minus.
What is the difference between 〜代わりに and 〜に代わって?
Substitution only, formal: 社長に代わって. Cannot express exchange or contrast.
What is the difference between 〜代わりに and 〜反面?
Contrast between two sides of one thing, without the idea of exchange.
What is a common mistake with 〜代わりに?
Wrong: 部長代わりに、私が出席します。 Right: 部長の代わりに、私が出席します。 Nouns need の.
Quick check
病気の母（ ）、私が挨拶に来ました。