代わりに | Grammar

Structure

[noun] + の + 代わりに [verb (plain)] + 代わりに [i-adj] + 代わりに [na-adj] + な + 代わりに

Description

代わりに means "instead of": one thing takes the place of another. A noun takes の before it, and a verb comes before it in the plain form.

。

I used olive oil instead of butter.

。

I walked instead of taking the train.

。

I went to the meeting in place of my sick mother.

In return

After something done for you or given to you, 代わりに means "in return": the second half is what evens things up.

、。

In return for their help, I bought them dinner.

、。

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

A plus and a minus

After an adjective, 代わりに weighs one quality against another: the good side makes up for the bad, or the other way round. A な-adjective keeps な.

、。

This shop is cheap, but the service isn't great.

、。

This job is hard, but it pays well.

× 大変代わりに → 大変な代わりに

Usage notes

These go beyond 代わりに after a word.

その代わり

At the start of a sentence, そのかわり代わり or そのかわり代わりに means "in return", "but then".

。、。

I'll help today. In return, you help me tomorrow.

A noun as a stand-in

Straight after a noun, with no の, 代わりに means "serving as": one thing is used as another.

、。

I handed over some of my work by way of a business card.

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