逆(ぎゃく)に

ぎゃくに

adverb

conversely; on the contrary; rather; instead

contrast discourse

1. conversely; on the contrary; in reverse

indicates the opposite or reverse of what was stated or expected

逆(ぎゃく)に考(かんが)えてみよう。

Let's think about it the other way around.

良(よ)くなるどころか、逆(ぎゃく)に悪(わる)くなった。

Far from getting better, it actually got worse.

逆(ぎゃく)に言(い)えば、チャンスでもある。

Conversely speaking, it's also an opportunity.

2. rather; instead; actually

introduces an unexpected or contrasting result or perspective

怒(おこ)られると思(おも)ったが、逆(ぎゃく)に褒(ほ)められた。

I thought I'd be scolded, but instead I was praised.

節約(せつやく)したつもりが、逆(ぎゃく)に出費(しゅっぴ)が増(ふ)えた。

I intended to save money, but expenses increased instead.

逆(ぎゃく)に聞(き)きたいんだけど。

Actually, I'd like to ask you something.

Usage

逆(ぎゃく)に言(い)えば (conversely speaking)
逆(ぎゃく)に考(かんが)えると (if you think about it the other way)
逆(ぎゃく)に聞(き)くけど (let me ask you instead)

Conversational use

逆(ぎゃく)に is very common in casual conversation to introduce:

An opposite perspective
An unexpected result
A question turned back to the listener

Similar words

反対(はんたい)に (on the contrary - more formal)
かえって (rather, on the contrary - similar nuance)
むしろ (rather, instead)

Related words

逆(ぎゃく) (reverse, opposite - noun/adjective)
反対(はんたい) (opposite)
かえって (rather, instead)

Related Words

Compare: 反対(はんたい) (on the contrary)

Compare: 却(かえ)って (rather, on the contrary)

Compare: むしろ (rather, instead)

general

Added 2026.1.25 18:58 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

08000/08269_gyakuni