代わりに | Grammar

Structure

Verb[plain] + 代わりに
Noun + の + 代わりに
[sentence A] + 代わりに + [sentence B] (in exchange/return for A, B)

Description

The expression 代わりに is used to express the idea of substitution, replacement, or exchange. It has three main usages depending on the context.

Instead of / In place of (substitution)

When attached to a verb or noun, 代わりに indicates doing one thing instead of another, or someone/something acting in place of someone/something else.

With nouns: Noun + の + 代わりに

。

I used olive oil instead of butter.

With verbs (dictionary form): Verb + 代わりに

。

Instead of taking the train, I walked.

This usage can also describe someone acting as a substitute for another person:

。

I attended the meeting in place of my sick mother.

In exchange for / In return for (compensation)

代わりに can express a trade-off – one thing is given or done in return for another. The first clause states what was received or gained, and the second states what was given or done in exchange.

、。

In return for their help, I treated them to dinner.

On the other hand / But in compensation (trade-off between qualities)

代わりに can connect two contrasting qualities, expressing that while something has one characteristic, it also has a compensating or offsetting one. This works with adjectives as well.

Adj-i + 代わりに / Adj-na + な + 代わりに

、。

This shop is cheap, but on the other hand, the service isn't very good.

、。

He is strict, but in return, he takes great care of people.

Notes

かわり代わり is a noun meaning "substitute" or "replacement," so 代わりに literally means "in the role of a substitute."
The particle の is needed when connecting to a noun (こうひいコーヒーのかわり代わりに).
In casual speech, 代わりに can sometimes appear at the beginning of the second clause rather than after the first.

Examples

。

I put in honey instead of sugar.

。

Today I will explain in place of the department manager.

、。

Instead of taking a taxi, let's go by bicycle.

、。

Instead of watching TV, I decided to read a book.

、。

In return for being taught, I bought them a cake.

、。

This job is tough, but in exchange, the pay is good.

、。

In return for her cooking, I washed the dishes.

、。

This apartment is far from the station, but on the other hand, the rent is cheap.

。

I made a curry using tofu instead of meat.

、。

In exchange for getting a day off, I'll work overtime next week.

。

My younger brother went shopping in place of my father.

、。

This dictionary is convenient, but on the other hand, it's expensive.

References

代わりにBunpro