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その代わり

sono kawari
conjunction★Intermediate— in return
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'.

Collocations

その代わりにin return / insteadその代わりとしてas an alternative

Synonyms

代わりに反面その一方で

Antonyms

同様にそれと同時に

Related Phrases

代わりをするphrase
to substitute for someone/something

💡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

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