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.
説明したら却って混乱した。
When I explained, it only made things more confusing.
休んだのに却って疲れた。
Even though I rested, I ended up more tired.
シンプルな方が却って良い。
The simpler option is actually better.
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