GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜と裏腹に
Indicates that a person's true feelings or the actual result is the opposite of an outward attitude or expectation.
Examples
強気な言葉とは裏腹に、彼の表情には不安が見えた。
Contrary to his confident words, anxiety showed on his face.
Words used
明るい笑顔とは裏腹に、彼は緊張していた。
Contrary to his bright smile, he was nervous.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
と裏腹に（とうらはらに）follows a noun to express a sharp mismatch between appearances, words, or expectations and the actual state. - Basic usage:
明るい笑顔とは裏腹に、彼は緊張していた。contrasts a bright smile with inner nervousness.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Highlighting contrast with wa
- Adding
はto言葉と裏腹にproduces言葉とは裏腹に, which highlights the contrast between words and reality.とmarks the comparison andはforegrounds the contrast.
- Adding
- Na before a noun
- Use
裏腹なbefore a noun, as in言葉と裏腹な表情. This differs from the ending that modifies an action or state in言葉と裏腹に行動する.
- Use