GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜わりに
Indicates that the actual result differs from what would normally be expected from the preceding condition.
Examples
この店は駅から遠いわりに、客が多い。
This store has many customers considering how far it is from the station.
Words used
彼は若いわりに、落ち着いて話す。
He speaks calmly for someone so young.
Words used
この問題は説明が長いわりに簡単だ。
This problem is simple considering how long the explanation is.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
わりにevaluates an actual state as different from what the preceding condition or degree would lead one to expect. - Basic usage:
この問題は説明が長いわりに簡単だ。means that the problem is easier than the length of its explanation might suggest.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Connecting the comparison standard
- A noun takes
の, as in広さのわりに家賃が低い, and a na-adjective takesな, as in不便なわりに人気がある. An i-adjective connects unchanged, as in遠いわりに.
- A noun takes
- Expectation rather than a fixed positive or negative value
値段のわりに丈夫だcan evaluate durability positively for the price, while値段のわりに弱いcan express a disappointing result. Both use the preceding condition as the standard, with different directions of evaluation.