What it means
にひきかえ marks a strong contrast between two people, things, situations, or qualities. It means that the second situation is notably different from, and often opposite to, the first. It attaches directly to a noun, while a verb or adjective usually takes の before にひきかえ. The expression is common in formal written language and careful speech, especially when emphasizing an evaluative contrast.
Usage note
にひきかえ is stronger and more contrastive than a neutral comparison such as と違って. With verbs and adjectives, do not omit の before にひきかえ. The connective itself does not have separate familiar and polite forms; politeness is shown by the ending of the sentence.
How to use it
前半の静けさにひきかえ、後半は急速に展開します。
In contrast to the calm of the first half, the second half develops rapidly.
姉は社交的なのにひきかえ、妹は人前で話すのが苦手です。
In contrast to the older sister being sociable, the younger sister is poor at speaking in front of people.
父は仕事が忙しいのにひきかえ、母は自由な時間が多いです。
In contrast to the father being busy with work, the mother has much free time.
兄は毎朝早く起きるのにひきかえ、弟は昼まで寝ています。
In contrast to the older brother getting up early every morning, the younger brother sleeps until noon.
前半の静けさにひきかえ、後半は急速に展開する。
In contrast to the calm of the first half, the second half develops rapidly.
姉は社交的なのにひきかえ、妹は人前で話すのが苦手だ。
In contrast to the older sister being sociable, the younger sister is poor at speaking in front of people.
父は仕事が忙しいのにひきかえ、母は自由な時間が多い。
In contrast to the father being busy with work, the mother has much free time.
兄は毎朝早く起きるのにひきかえ、弟は昼まで寝ている。
In contrast to the older brother getting up early every morning, the younger brother sleeps until noon.
Example sentences
昼間の駅前のにぎわいにひきかえ、夜の商店街は人通りがほとんどなく、ひっそりとしている。
In contrast to the bustle around the station during the day, the shopping street is almost deserted and quiet at night.
昨年度のプロジェクトが予定どおり進んだのにひきかえ、今年度の計画は開始早々に見直しを迫られている。
In contrast to last fiscal year's project progressing as scheduled, this fiscal year's plan is being forced to undergo a review immediately after its start.