逆に
gyaku ni
The English phrase "vice versa" can be translated into Japanese as 逆に (gyaku ni).
While 逆に can mean "vice versa", it is also very frequently used to express "on the contrary" or "conversely", particularly when a situation produces a result that is the opposite of what was expected.
Meaning: the other way round (adv)
How do you pronounce it?
gyaku ni
Did you know?
- Younger speakers often use 逆に as a filler word or to start a sentence when they are thinking of a new point, even if the new point is not actually the opposite of the previous one.
- The kanji used in 逆に, specifically 逆, is the same character found in the word 'rebel' or 'rebellion' in many contexts. It represents the idea of being 'opposite' or 'against'.
- Japanese speakers often use 逆に to express an 'unexpected benefit' of a bad situation, similar to how one might say 'on the bright side'.
Examples in context
- 富が健康をもたらすのは真実ですが、逆に言えば健康が富をもたらすこともあります。It is true that wealth brings health, but vice versa, health can also bring wealth.
- 勝ち点を得るために攻撃に重点を置くことも大切ですが、その逆も然りです。It is important to focus on offense to gain points, but vice versa is also true.
- 普通はこうですが、逆にするとこうなります。futsuu wa kou desu ga, gyaku ni suru to kou narimasu.Usually it is like this, but if you do the other way round, it becomes like this.
Example conversation
Hiroto and Himari are discussing a way to organize their study schedule.
- 大翔 Hiroto朝に勉強して、夜は休みます。asa ni benkyou shite, yoru wa yasumimasu.I will study in the morning and rest at night.
- 陽葵 Himari逆に、夜に勉強するのはどうですか？gyaku ni, yoru ni benkyou suru no wa dou desu ka?How about the other way round, studying at night?
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さんの案もいいですね。Himari-san no an mo ii desu ne.Himari's idea is also good.
- 陽葵 Himariじゃあ、夜から始めてみましょう。jaa, yoru kara hajimete mimashou.Then, let's try starting from the night.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 逆に, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
