1.
on the contrary; rather; all the more
Used when the result is opposite of what was expected, or when something intensifies rather than lessens.
却って悪くなった。
It actually got worse.
少ない方が却って良い。
Less is actually better.
休んだのに却って疲れた。
Even though I rested, I ended up more tired.
説明したら却って混乱させてしまった。
When I tried to explain, I ended up confusing them even more.
安いものを買ったら、すぐ壊れて却って高くついた。
I bought the cheap one, but it broke right away and ended up costing me more.
USAGE PATTERN:
却って is used when:
1. An action produces the opposite of its intended effect
2. Something unexpected happens that goes against common sense
3. A simpler or different approach turns out better
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 〜したら却って〜: when I did ~, it actually ~
- 〜の方が却って〜: actually, ~ is more ~
- 却って悪くなる: to become worse instead
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- むしろ: rather (neutral comparison)
- 逆に: on the contrary