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その代わり
sono kawari
in return
彼はお金をくれた。その代わり、私は彼に時間を与えた。
He gave me money. In return, I gave him my time.
formal
Used to indicate something given or done in exchange for something else.
忙しいですが、その代わりに給料がいいです。
I'm busy, but in return, the pay is good.
彼女は勉強が得意ではないが、その代わりにスポーツが得意だ。
She's not good at studying, but in return, she's good at sports.
Often used to highlight a trade-off or compensation. Can imply a positive or negative exchange depending on context.
formal
Used to indicate something that replaces or substitutes for something else.
雨が降っているので、その代わりに映画を見に行きましょう。
Since it's raining, let's go see a movie instead.
Similar to 'instead' or 'as an alternative'.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing in casual speech
In informal settings, use '代わりに' alone (e.g., '忙しいから代わりに行って' instead of '忙しいからその代わりに行って'). The 'その' adds formality.
Gold Rule
Structure for exchange
Use 'A。その代わり、B。' to show A leads to B as compensation. Example: '彼は手伝ってくれた。その代わり、私は彼にお金をあげた。'
Structure for substitution
Use 'XはY。その代わり、ZはW。' to contrast two related situations. Example: '彼女は勉強が得意ではない。その代わり、スポーツが得意だ。'
Word Origin
Composed of 'その' (that) + '代わり' (replacement/substitute). The phrase literally means 'that replacement' but functions as a conjunction indicating exchange or substitution.
Usage Notes
Precedes the exchanged item or action. Often used in formal or written contexts. Can sound stiff in casual conversation; '代わりに' alone is more common in speech.
Word Breakdown
その
that (demonstrative pronoun)
demonstrative代わり
replacement/substitute
noun和英辞典