Processing keyword: ～に反して (〜ni hanshite)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～に反して (〜ni hanshite)

The Japanese Grammar Point: ～に反して (〜ni hanshite)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the Japanese grammar point ～に反して (〜ni hanshite). This expression is commonly used to indicate that something goes against expectations, predictions, intentions, or rules. Understanding how to use ～に反して will enhance your ability to express contrasts and unexpected outcomes in Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～に反して means "contrary to ~", "against ~", or "in opposition to ~".

Structure

• Formation:

  Noun + に反して
  

• Usage:
  • Attach に反して to a noun that represents an expectation, prediction, intention, rule, or instruction.
  • The phrase indicates that the result is contrary to what the noun represents.

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with Similar Grammar Points

1. ～に対して (〜ni taishite)
   • Meaning: "in contrast to ~", "towards ~"
   • Usage: Highlights a contrast between two things or actions but doesn't specifically indicate an outcome contrary to expectations.
   • Example: 兄はスポーツ好きなのに対して、弟は読書が好きだ。
     "In contrast to the older brother who likes sports, the younger brother likes reading."
2. ～とは違って (〜to wa chigatte)
   • Meaning: "unlike ~", "different from ~"
   • Usage: Directly indicates that something is different from another thing.
   • Example: 前回とは違って、今回は成功した。
     "Unlike last time, this time was successful."
3. ～に反して vs. ～に沿って (〜ni sotte)
   • ～に沿って means "along with ~", "in accordance with ~".
   • Usage: Indicates doing something in line with policies, plans, or expectations.
   • Contrast: ～に反して shows doing something against expectations, whereas ～に沿って shows acting according to them.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context
   • Japanese: 経営陣の期待に反して、売り上げが減少しました。
   • Romaji: Keieijin no kitai ni hanshite, uriage ga genshō shimashita.
   • English: Contrary to the management's expectations, sales decreased.
2. Informal Context
   • Japanese: 予想に反して、試験は簡単だったよ。
   • Romaji: Yosō ni hanshite, shiken wa kantan datta yo.
   • English: Contrary to what I expected, the exam was easy.
3. Written Context
   • Japanese: 彼の意志に反して、計画は変更された。
   • Romaji: Kare no ishi ni hanshite, keikaku wa henkō sareta.
   • English: The plan was changed against his will.
4. Spoken Context
   • Japanese: 天気予報に反して、今日は晴れだね。
   • Romaji: Tenki yohō ni hanshite, kyō wa hare da ne.
   • English: Contrary to the weather forecast, it's sunny today.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Harmony and Expectations: In Japanese culture, there is a strong emphasis on harmony and following social expectations. Using ～に反して highlights when situations deviate from these expectations.
• Expressing Surprises Politely: This grammar point allows speakers to express surprises or unexpected outcomes in a way that is considerate of others' feelings.

Politeness Levels

• The grammar point ～に反して is neutral and can be adjusted for formality through verb endings and context.
  • Formal Speech: Use polite verb forms like ます形 (masu-kei).
  • Informal Speech: Use plain verb forms.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 期待に反して (kitai ni hanshite): Contrary to expectations.
• 予測に反して (yosoku ni hanshite): Against predictions.
• 意図に反して (ito ni hanshite): Against intentions.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using Verbs Instead of Nouns
   • Mistake: 動くに反して
   • Correction: Only use nouns before に反して. Convert verbs to their noun forms if necessary.
   • Example: 彼の意図に反して (Correct)
2. Confusing with ～に対して
   • Mistake: Using ～に反して when ～に対して is appropriate.
   • Tip: Remember that ～に反して implies an outcome contrary to expectations, while ～に対して often compares or contrasts two subjects.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • 反 means "opposite" or "anti-". Think of に反して as "going against" something.
• Practice Tip:
  • Create sentences using common nouns like 期待 (kitai), 予想 (yosō), and 規則 (kisoku) to become familiar with the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～に反して is used to express that the actual result is contrary to expectations, predictions, intentions, or rules.
• It is formed by attaching に反して to a noun.
• This grammar point helps convey contrasts between what was expected and what actually occurred.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the Blank: 彼は親の希望___、芸術家になった。
   • Answer: に反して
   • Translation: Contrary to his parents’ wishes, he became an artist.
2. True or False: に反して can be used after verbs.
   • Answer: False
   • Explanation: に反して is used after nouns.
3. Translate to English: 規則に反して、彼は遅刻した。
   • Answer: Contrary to the rules, he was late.

By mastering ～に反して, you can effectively express situations where outcomes differ from expectations in Japanese. Practice using this grammar point in various contexts to enhance your fluency.