GRAMMAR
逆に
conversely
on the contrary
Explanation
NOTE
逆に means conversely or on the contrary — used to introduce an opposite result or perspective.
薬を飲んだら、逆に体調が悪くなった。
After taking the medicine, on the contrary, my condition got worse.
Often signals an unexpected outcome that is the opposite of what was intended.
NOTE
Used sentence-initially or mid-sentence to flip the perspective, often after a comma.
NOTE
Functions as an adverb / discourse marker — no conjugation needed; just place it before the contrasting clause.
STRUCTURE
逆に ...
逆に言えば、それは彼のせいだ。
Gyaku ni ieba, sore wa kare no sei da.
Conversely speaking, it's his fault.
練習しすぎると、逆に下手になることもある。
Renshuu shisugiru to, gyaku ni heta ni naru koto mo aru.
If you practice too much, on the contrary, you can become worse.
彼は怒るかと思ったら、逆に笑った。
Kare wa okoru ka to omottara, gyaku ni waratta.
I thought he'd be angry, but on the contrary, he laughed.
Practice exercises
1
期待とは逆に、結果は良かったものの、満足はしなかった。
Contrary to my expectations, although the results were good, I wasn't satisfied.
Answer
逆に
2
期待とは逆に、無理だと思いつつも、続行した。
On the contrary to expectations, even while thinking it was impossible, he continued.
Answer
逆に
3
忠告とは逆に、危険にもかかわらず、彼は進んだ。
Conversely to the advice, despite the danger, he went ahead.
Answer
逆に
4
予想とは逆に、その薬は症状を悪化させた。
On the contrary to expectations, that medicine worsened the symptoms.
Answer
逆に
5
当初の見込みとは逆に、市場は縮小した。
Conversely to the initial forecast, the market contracted.
Answer
逆に