Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 10: 15/20

()わりにInstead of, In place of, In exchange for

Structure

Verb + ()わりに
[い]Adjective + ()わりに
[な]Adjective + + ()わりに
Noun + + ()わりに

Details

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About 代わりに

()わり 'a substitute' is a noun that is used to convey when (B) is acting as a replacement or substitute for (A). The case marking particle will come after ()わり, before a (B) statement will highlight who the replacement is, and possibly what they are doing.

As ()わり is a noun, it may be used after the attributive form of any word.

Occasionally, ()わり 'to exchange' may be used instead of ()わり 'to substitute'. However, within the context of this particular grammar structure, there is little to no change in nuance.

Fun Fact

()わりに is often used at the beginning of sentences, simply to express a more preferable option for something. In these cases, it comes across as 'rather than that, (A)', or 'instead, (A)'.

Examples

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    バター()わりにマーガリンを使(つか)っています。

    I am using margarine instead of butter.

    コーヒー()わりに紅茶(こうちゃ)では駄目(だめ)ですか?

    Is tea in place of coffee not good enough?

    (たま)ねぎ()わりに(なが)ねぎを使(つか)おう。

    Let's use green onions in place of ordinary onions.

    電話(でんわ)()わりに、メールを(おく)った。

    Instead of calling, I sent him an email.

    (わたし)()わりにこの問題(もんだい)()いてください。

    Please solve this question instead of me.

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代わりに – Grammar Discussion