裏腹(うらはら)

うらはら
noun, na-adjective
contrary, opposite
descriptive
1. contrary, opposite, contradictory
Describes a situation where something is the opposite of what is expected, or where one's words and actions do not match. Most commonly used in the pattern ～とは裏腹に (contrary to ~).
言葉(ことば)とは裏腹(うらはら)に涙(なみだ)があふれた。
Contrary to her words, tears overflowed.
期待(きたい)とは裏腹(うらはら)に、結果(けっか)は散々(さんざん)だった。
Contrary to expectations, the results were terrible.
明(あか)るい笑顔(えがお)とは裏腹(うらはら)に、彼(かれ)の心(こころ)の中(なか)は不安(ふあん)でいっぱいだった。
Contrary to his bright smile, his heart was full of anxiety.

Usage

Almost always appears in the pattern ～とは裏腹(うらはら)に (contrary to ~). The phrase sets up a contrast between an outward appearance or expectation and the actual reality.

Common patterns

general
Added 2026.2.27 19:08 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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