Processing keyword: ～わりには (〜wari ni wa)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～わりには (〜wari ni wa)

～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 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

1. 彼は年齢のわりには若く見える。 He looks young considering his age.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 私は運動しないわりには健康だ。 I'm healthy considering I don't exercise.
5. 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

1. How do you attach わりには to a noun?
   • Answer: Noun + の + わりには
2. Translate: "彼は初心者のわりには上手だ。"
   • Answer: "He is good considering he's a beginner."
3. 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

6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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:

1. 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。
2. 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.