Translation guide
A guide to expressing the idea of 'conversely' in Japanese, covering contrast, reversal, and the opposite perspective.
To present a contrasting idea or the reverse of what was just said, often used in formal or written contexts.
The most common and versatile way to say 'conversely' or 'on the contrary'. Can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
I thought he would get angry, but conversely, he was laughing.
Literally 'oppositely', used to introduce a contrasting point. Slightly more formal than 逆に.
While this medicine works for some people, conversely, others experience side effects.
Means 'on the other hand', often used to present a contrasting fact or situation. Common in writing.
Cities are convenient, but conversely, the cost of living is high.
A more explicit way to say 'conversely to that', emphasizing the reversal. Used in formal or written contexts.
Last year was in the red, but conversely, this year is in the black.
To indicate that as one thing increases, another decreases, or that two things are inversely related.
To compare two different people, things, or ideas, highlighting their opposite characteristics.
A pattern for contrasting A and B directly. 'A is..., but B, conversely, is...'
The older brother is sociable, but the younger brother, conversely, is introverted.
Means 'contrary to A, B...'. Emphasizes the opposition.
Contrary to expectations, the exam was easy.
逆に is the most common and can be used in casual speech. 反対に is slightly more formal and emphasizes direct opposition. 一方で is often used to present a contrasting fact without implying a direct reversal, similar to 'on the other hand'.
He failed, but conversely, it became a good experience.
He failed, but on the other hand, he learned a lot.
English 'conversely' can sometimes be translated as 逆に, but in some contexts, a different structure is more natural. For example, when expressing a conditional reverse, Japanese often uses 〜ば逆に or 〜と逆に.
Temperature and clothing thickness are inversely related.