Processing keyword: ～わりには (〜wari ni wa)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～わりには (〜wari ni wa)
1. Introduction
The grammar point ～わりには (〜wari ni wa) is a useful expression in Japanese that conveys a sense of unexpectedness relative to a certain standard or expectation. It is often translated as "considering" or "although" in English.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- English Equivalent: "Considering...", "Although...", "For..."
- Usage: To express that something is unexpected when compared to a standard or norm implied by the preceding phrase.
Structure
| Formation | Example |
|---|---|
| Verb casual + わりには | 食べるわりには |
| i-Adjective + わりには | 安いわりには |
| na-Adjective + な + わりには | 静かなわりには |
| Noun + の + わりには | 子どものわりには |
Formation Diagram
[Verb (casual form)] + わりには
[い-Adj (plain form)] + わりには
[な-Adj] + な + わりには
[Noun] + の + わりには
3. Comparative Analysis
- ～にしては (〜ni shite wa): Also means "for; considering", but often used when the actual outcome is different from what's expected from general knowledge.
- Difference: ～わりには emphasizes personal expectations based on specific information, while ～にしては is based on general standards.
4. Examples in Context
- 彼は年齢のわりには若く見える。 He looks young considering his age.
- このレストランは値段のわりにはおいしい。 This restaurant is delicious for the price.
- 彼女は勉強しなかったわりには試験でいい点を取った。 She got a good score on the exam despite not studying.
- 私は運動しないわりには健康だ。 I'm healthy considering I don't exercise.
- あの映画は期待したわりにはつまらなかった。 That movie was boring despite my expectations.
5. Cultural Notes
Levels of Politeness
- ～わりには is a neutral expression and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Adjust politeness by modifying the verb endings in the sentence.
Idiomatic Expressions
- "安いわりには質がいい": "Considering it's cheap, the quality is good."
- Commonly used in consumer contexts to express satisfaction or dissatisfaction relative to expectations.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Mistake: Using のわりには with verbs directly.
- Incorrect: 食べるのわりには
- Correct: 食べるわりには
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of わり as "value" and には as "in terms of", so わりには is like "in terms of the value".
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～わりには is used to express an unexpected outcome relative to a certain standard.
- It can be translated as "considering...", "for...", or "although...".
- Formed by attaching わりには to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, or nouns with appropriate connectors.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you attach わりには to a noun?
- Answer: Noun + の + わりには
- Translate: "彼は初心者のわりには上手だ。"
- Answer: "He is good considering he's a beginner."
- What is a common mistake when using わりには with verbs?
- Answer: Incorrectly adding の before わりには with verbs.
Additional Example Sentences
- このバッグは安いわりには長持ちする。 This bag lasts a long time considering it's cheap.
- 彼は忙しいわりにはよく手伝ってくれる。 He helps me often despite being busy.
- 新入社員のわりには仕事に慣れている。 She's accustomed to the job considering she's a new employee.
Practice Exercise
Rewrite the following sentences using ～わりには:
- 彼はたくさん食べます。でも、太りません。 Answer: 彼はたくさん食べるわりには太らない。
- この家は古いです。でも、きれいです。 Answer: この家は古いわりにはきれいだ。
Conclusion
Understanding ～わりには allows you to express nuances about expectations versus reality in Japanese, enriching your ability to communicate subtleties in everyday conversations.